You can take the BC farm quiz to test your knowledge of local agriculture,
or try out the crosswordon eating for a healthy body.

The crossword is in PDF format, which means if you want a copy
for your classroom or your fridge,just click on the print icon in the window that loads.
(Don't forget to print out the answers later if you get stuck.)

All About the VFPO

The Greater Vancouver Food Policy Organization is a non-profit society working to provide a sustainable local food supply which is accessible to all in the Greater Vancouver Region.

Our Mission
Our Vision
How we achieve our vision
Background on the organization

Our Mission:

The Vancouver Food Policy Organization works to secure a sustainable local food supply accessible to all in the Greater Vancouver Regional District.

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Our Vision:

1. Everyone has assured access to adequate, appropriate, and personally acceptable food in a way which does not damage self-respect.
2. People are able to earn a living wage by growing, producing, processing, handling, retailing and serving food.
3. The quality of land, air, and water are maintained and enhanced for future generations.

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How we achieve our vision:

• Networking and liasing with other groups working on food issues
• Developing projects and supporting program initiatives
• Education and increasing awareness regarding food and agriculture issues
• Reviewing and initiating policies that affect food, at both the municipal and provincial level

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Background on the organization:

The VFPO has been around informally for many years. Initiated by a group of Community Nutritionists in the Vancouver area, it has grown under FarmFolk/CityFolk, another organization which looks to promote a sustainable food supply for the Province of British Columbia. In April 1998 however, the VFPO officially became a registered non-profit society.

The first major event of the VFPO was "Feed Our Children, Nourish Our Future" - a forum held in Vancouver many years ago. Over 20 different groups concerned with food issues came together, including the then Mayor of Vancouver and Minister of Agriculture as well as other politicians and the public. It was a major achievement in that it was the first time such a gathering was held in which groups and individuals could connect to discuss their common issue of food.

Since then, various other events have been held, such as: "Food Security: Action and Policy Conference Proceedings", held in 1995 in which a variety of food security topics were discussed and links were made; "FutureSearch" - in which demographic trends which will impact our food needs were identified; and "Food in the City" - a conference held in 1997 which brought various community organizations to discuss food security.

Currently, we are involved with a number of projects including a free speaker series on food and agriculture issues; a fruit gleaning project in a Vancouver neighborhood; an analysis of the use of BC products at a school meal program and a hunger hotline to connect those in need of food with the nearest free/low-cost food provider as well as other food resources.