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SUSTAINABLE FOR ALL

I M P R O V I N G T H E A C C E S S I B I L I T Y O F S U S T A I N A B L Y - P R O D U C E D F O O D S I N C A N A D A

F O O D S E C U R E C A N A D A R E S E A R C H R E P O R T

D E S R É M . K R A M E R , R H O N D A F E R G U S O N , J E N N I F E R R E Y N O L D S M A Y 2 0 1 9

SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION FOR ALL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

T h e r e s e a r c h p r o j e c t w a s l e d b y D r D e s r é K r a m e r , T o r o n t o - b a s e d s o c i a l s c i e n t i s t a n d D r R h o n d a F e r g u s o n , Y o r k U n i v e r s i t y / F o o d S e c u r e C a n a d a a n d s u p p o r t e d b y J e n n i f e r R e y n o l d s , F o o d S e c u r e C a n a d a . A s p e c i a l t h a n k y o u a n d a c k n o w l e d g e m e n t g o e s t o t h e p a r t i c i p a n t s o f t h e s i x f o c u s g r o u p s f o r s h a r i n g t h e i r l i v e d e x p e r i e n c e s w h i c h e n h a n c e d t h i s r e p o r t w i t h a n i m m e a s u r a b l e u n d e r s t a n d i n g . O u r t h a n k s a l s o g o e s t o t h e k e y i n f o r m a n t s f o r t h e i r t i m e , e f f o r t , a n d w i s d o m . T h e i r b r o a d p e r s p e c t i v e s f r o m m a n y y e a r s o f c o m m u n i t y a c t i o n a n d r e s e a r c h m a d e s i g n i f i c a n t c o n t r i b u t i o n s t o t h i s r e p o r t .

O u r a p p r e c i a t i o n i s a l s o e x t e n d e d t o m e m b e r s o f t h e F o o d S e c u r e C a n a d a N a t i o n a l C o m m u n i t y o f P r a c t i c e o n F o o d S e c u r i t y , a n d t h e R e s e a r c h A d v i s o r y G r o u p f o r s h a r i n g t h e i r i n s i g h t s a n d e x p e r t i s e . R e s e a r c h A d v i s o r y G r o u p m e m b e r s i n c l u d e d :

J i l l G u e r r a C h a r l e s L e v k o e R e s e a r c h a n d S p e c i a l P r o j e c t s A s s i s t a n t P r o f e s s o r , C a n a d a R e s e a r c h C o o r d i n a t o r , C a n a d a O r g a n i c T r a d e C h a i r i n S u s t a i n a b l e F o o d S y s t e m s , A s s o c i a t i o n L a k e h e a d U n i v e r s i t y

K e l l y H o d g i n s K a t h r y n S c h a r f P r o g r a m O f f i c e r , M c C o n n e l l C h i e f O p e r a t i n g O f f i c e r , C o m m u n i t y F o u n d a t i o n F o o d C e n t r e s C a n a d a

S u s a n n a K l a s s e n P h D S t u d e n t , P u b l i c S c h o l a r , I n s t i t u t e f o r R e s o u r c e s , E n v i r o n m e n t a n d S u s t a i n a b i l i t y , U n i v e r s i t y o f B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a TABLE OF CONTENTS

E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y 2

5 R E S E A R C H A P P R O A C H

R E S E A R C H H I G H L I G H T S

1 C A N A D I A N S V A L U E S U S T A I N A B L Y G R O W N F O O D S 8

1 1 2 S U S T A I N A B L Y G R O W N F O O D S P U R C H A S E F R E Q U E N C Y

1 4 3 I N C O M E / C O S T I S S E E N A S M A I N B A R R I E R T O B U Y I N G S U S T A I N A B L Y G R O W N F O O D

L E S S A V A I L A B I L I T Y O F S U S T A I N A B L Y G R O W N F O O D I N 1 7 4 L O W E R - I N C O M E N E I G H B O U R H O O D S

T R A N S P O R T A T I O N A N D M O B I L I T Y / W A L K I N G C H A L L E N G E S 1 8 5 I N G E T T I N G T O S T O R E S

C H A L L E N G E S I N I D E N T I F Y I N G S U S T A I N A B L Y G R O W N 2 0 6 F O O D S A N D T R U S T I N P U R C H A S I N G

P O L I C Y O P P O R T U N I T I E S T O I N C R E A S E A C C E S S T O 2 2 7 S U S T A I N A B L Y G R O W N F O O D S F O R C O N S U M E R S L I V I N G W I T H L O W - I N C O M E S

F U T U R E R E S E A R C H Q U E S T I O N S 2 5

2 7 R E F E R E N C E S

S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L | 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Interest in sustainably grown food has a definition (“locally-grown food that is grown exponentially in recent decades produced without pesticides or genetically and the linkages between sustainable modified organisms, uses fair labour food, human and planetary health are practices for farm workers, and treats farm receiving increasing acknowledgement animals humanely”) in order to frame from policy-makers. Goal 12 of the United certain research questions. Nations’ (2016) Goals aims to increase sustainable food Research included a literature review, consumption and production, and Health interviews with nearly 30 Canada’s (2019) new Dietary Guidelines experts, six focus groups across Canada also highlight the important relationships engaging over 50 people who identified as between healthy eating, food living with low-incomes and/or experiencing environments, the social determinants of food insecurity and a nation-wide survey. health, and environmental impacts of The online survey polled 1,500 Canadians on food choices. how they define and value sustainably grown food, their food shopping habits and While there are a wide range of initiatives any barriers they face in accessing these across the country seeking to get more foods. Quotas were set by region, age, and healthy and sustainable food onto the gender to be proportionately representative plates of Canadians, these foods are not of the Canadian (based on 2016 accessible to all. Food Secure Canada led Census data). The sample was also stratified a research project (April 2018 - March by income to ensure an adequate sample of 2019) to better understand how low-income Canadians (a minimum of 500, living with low-incomes value or 33% of the sample) for analysis. and access sustainably grown foods, what barriers they face in doing so and what Altogether, the findings of this study policy measures could be undertaken to reinforce that income/cost is the main facilitate greater access. barrier for Canadians living with low- incomes to access sustainably grown foods, Throughout the project researchers used even though it is valued, and goes further open-ended questions to surface into how the food environments in which participants’ understanding of sustainably people live, their values, and public trust in grown food, and also offered the , all help to shape access.

S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L | 2 Findings from the survey show Canadians living with low-incomes also high support for sustainably grown food. reported lower access to smaller specialty When asked about how they value six grocers and farmers’ markets in their characteristics of sustainably grown food, neighbourhoods where sustainably grown Canadians across income groups ranked foods tend to be more readily available. as extremely/very important: treating farm Based on the survey, Canadians living animals humanely (62%), using fair labour with low-incomes are three times more practices for farm workers (59%), growing likely to report challenges getting to the food without pesticides (46%), locally places where they buy food (grocery grown food (43%), growing food without stores, convenience stores, farmers the use of genetically-modified organisms markets etc), particularly due to (GMO) (42%) and food being certified difficulties with walking/mobility. organic (16%). Focus group participants also highlighted A majority of poll respondents reported the importance of culture when it comes buying sustainably grown foods “at least to food, and how racism and sometimes” (70% of higher-income vs 64% discrimination can limit and shape food of lower-income Canadians), with 6% of choices. People will only buy food where lower-income respondents (vs 2% higher they feel comfortable and will not shop at income) buying sustainably grown foods certain places where they feel “always”. However, focus groups which discriminated against, even if this affects enabled deeper discussions illustrated the quality of food they buy. There are a that even though sustainably grown food number of important questions that must is valued by those who participated in the be explored with future research about conversations, it is rarely consumed for a the role of racism in food access and variety of reasons. consumption patterns.

Lack of income/cost was clearly reported Identifying sustainably grown foods where as the most significant barrier to they shop was another barrier for purchasing sustainable foods for consumers. From the survey findings, participants living with low-incomes, certified organic and locally-grown foods and/or experiencing food insecurity, in are considered relatively easy to identify, both the focus groups and survey. In a yet Canadians have difficulty judging country where 1 in 8 Canadian households other aspects of , particularly experiences some level of food insecurity, how animals and farm workers are regular consumption of sustainable foods treated in food production. This is notable is not always an option. A common theme as, based on poll data, these aspects are reported in focus groups was the need to valued over others. choose between rent and food, with rent being a non-negotiable expense.

S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L | 3 Priority policy options to increase access Research findings will enable Food Secure of sustainably grown food that were raised Canada and partners to provide valuable by key informants and found strong insights on policies to improve the public support in the survey are: accessibility of sustainable foods and to increase dialogue between food security Providing support for local farmers so and food sustainability stakeholders, they can grow markets for sustainable, while building the movement for (84% support based on poll). sustainable foods for all. Supporting public institutions like schools and hospitals to buy and serve Food Secure Canada has received funding more local, sustainably grown food from Innovation, Science and Economic (82% support based on poll). Development Canada’s Contributions Ensuring everyone in Canada has a Program for Non-profit Consumer and guaranteed annual minimum income Voluntary Organizations. The views and can adequately feed their expressed in this report are not households (75% support based on necessarily those of Innovation, Science poll). and Economic Development Canada or Providing support for more community the Government of Canada. gardens, community produce markets, and farmers markets so they are widely available (range of 74 to 77% support based on poll). Offering subsidies (fresh-food stamps, farmers market tokens, or funding supplements) to Canadians living with low-income to increase access to sustainable foods (69% support based on poll).

While accessing more sustainably grown food has been a growing consumer priority for some time, this research is particularly timely as the federal government is currently developing a Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy, a Poverty Reduction Strategy, and a Food Policy for Canada. A better understanding of how to expand the accessibility of sustainably grown food connects to poverty reduction, social innovation and food policy. RESEARCH APPROACH

Research questions were addressed through iterative qualitative and quantitative methods, with the following timeline:

Literature An initial literature review was undertaken to better understand the review existing research landscape (April to August 2018).

Interviews Key informant interviews with nearly 30 leaders in food security were used to develop and confirm research tools and early analysis (July to October 2018).

Focus “Kitchen table talk” focus groups were hosted in Toronto, Thunder Bay, Groups Sudbury, Vancouver, Montreal, and Saskatoon (August 2018 - January 2019). “Kitchen table talks” are a form of community-driven, semi-structured meeting intended to promote community engagement and inclusivity (Levkoe and Sheedy, 2017, p. 7). They generated insights from over 50 people who identified as living with low-incomes and/or experiencing food insecurity, and many are also involved in food programs such as food banks, meal and cooking programs and community food growing.

Survey Following this, a consumer survey of 1,500 Canadians was conducted online (December 18, 2018 to January 4, 2019). Quotas were set by region, age, and gender to be proportionately representative of the Canadian population (based on 2016 Census data). The sample was also stratified by income to ensure an adequate sample of low-income Canadians (a minimum of 500, or 33% of the sample) for analysis. Low-income was defined using Statistics Canada’s Low-income Measure (before tax), which is based on a combination of household income and household size. Researchers did not note any significant mainstream media stories around food issues while the poll was conducted. For example, a person living alone with an annual income below $25k is considered low-income, as is a four-person household with a combined income below $50k.

In addition to weighting by age, gender and region, weighting was also used to ensure low-income Canadians are present in the final sample in the same proportion as in the general population (14%).

Researchers did not note any significant mainstream media stories around food issues while the poll was conducted.

S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L | 5 RESEARCH ADVISORY GROUP

Feedback was provided by a Research Advisory Group through quarterly meetings and written comments on draft research documents. Members of the Food Secure Canada National Community of Practice on Food Security also provided feedback during the project. A third-party methodologist reviewed draft research findings and feedback was integrated into the final report.

STUDY LIMITATIONS

For the survey: Because an online survey represents a sample of convenience, no margin of error can be ascribed to the results.

For the focus groups: Due to economic and time constraints, the voice of those facing food insecurity in remote Northern Canada was not a focus of this study. Food insecurity challenges in these regions are distinct from urban, or even rural, Southern Canada, although of course there are systemic commonalities. However, some of the focus group participants had experience with living in the North, and some of the key informants could also talk to those issues as well. These comments have been included in the report.

READING SURVEY RESULTS

Because an online survey represents a sample of convenience, no margin of error can be ascribed to the results. Throughout this report, arrows in figures indicate statistically significant differences (at the 95% confidence level) between lower- and higher-income groups.

S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L | 6 RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L | 7 1 - CANADIANS VALUE SUSTAINABLY GROWN FOODS

Canadians most value foods grown in ways that treat farm animals humanely and use fair labour practices for farm workers. Foods being locally grown, grown without pesticides and without genetically-modified organisms (GMO) is also important.

Defining sustainably grown food is In the interviews with key informants, complex and multi-faceted. In its broadest sustainably grown food was often used definition, sustainably grown food is that interchangeably with terms such as which is produced and distributed in a “”, “”, “local”, way that supports the longevity of the “nutritious”, “organic”, and “”. food system, including its natural Some also said that sustainably grown resources and the wellbeing of all of its food included fair wages for farmers and participants now, and in the future. In this farm workers, access to land for young study, researchers asked open-ended farmers, having land set aside for questions to surface participants’ biodiversity, and having control over understanding of sustainably grown food, decision-making about what food you eat and also offered a definition (“locally- and where you obtain your food. grown food that is produced without pesticides or genetically modified Findings from the consumer survey show organisms, uses fair labour practices for high support for sustainably grown food. farm workers, and treats farm animals An open-question asking survey humanely”) in order to frame certain respondents how they defined sustainably research questions. grown foods, surfaced general descriptions such as those which don’t Among focus group participants, most harm the environment or deplete our were not familiar with the specific term future resources, and along with food “sustainably grown” food. When asked to being locally-grown, certified organic or define what it meant to them, there was pesticide-free. often a discussion whether it meant “preserved food”, “food that can be used for a long time”, or “packaged” food. After a definition was offered by the facilitator or a focus group participant, subsequent discussions illustrated that though the specific term may not be widely used, the the types of food production practices to which the term applies are generally known.

S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L | 8 When asked about which aspects they Another focus group participant value most in sustainably grown food commented: from a list of six characteristics, Canadians across income groups ranked as extremely/very important: If I had the money for the food treating farm animals humanely (62%), using fair labour practices for farm that I want to buy, I would buy workers’ (59%), growing food without more organic. I would have such a pesticides (46%), locally grown food variety of non-GMO products. I (43%), growing food without the use of would buy the $10 non-GMO genetically-modified organisms (GMO) cereals, the prime organic (42%) and food being certified organic vegetables. I have pretty much (16%) (Figure 1). opted out from eating meat. I eat vegetables most of the time Many of these aspects of sustainability because of the hormones that go were also identified by key informants into the meat and the cruelty to and were valued by some participants animals. But I would love to buy in focus groups although many others meat again! I would love some expressed they could not consider purchasing these types of foods bacon; sausages; a good roast! I because they were economically would fatten up my children. I inaccessible. As one focus group would have all of this food! participant shared:

I would love to prioritize very healthy, organic food and have it all the time, but honestly, especially towards the end of a paycheque, whatever is going to be able to spread the paycheque is what’s okay. And it’s probably noodles.

S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L | 9 FIGURE 1: IMPORTANT FACTORS WHEN BUYING SUSTAINABLY GROWN FOOD

SURVEY QUESTION: Sustainably grown food can encompass many different aspects of food and its production. How important is it to you that the food you buy…?

Base: Total Sample (n=1501), Low-income (n=500), Higher-income (n=1001).

Note: Excludes those who were not sure how to answer (roughly 2% of respondents for each question). 2 - SUSTAINABLY GROWN FOOD PURCHASE FREQUENCY

Research found a diversity of data on the consumption of sustainably grown foods in Canada.

Focus group discussions with over 50 Additionally, the Canadian Organic Trade Canadians who identified as living with Association (2017) has found that the low-incomes illustrated that the vast lowest and highest-income brackets majority never consume sustainably allocate larger budget percentage to grown foods. However, the consumer organic foods, with middle-income survey results show a relatively brackets trailing both. widespread consumption of sustainably grown foods with 70% of higher-income Other intervening factors in the and 64% of lower-income Canadians purchasing habits of Canadians have been purchasing “at least sometimes”, and 6% identified in studies by Johnston, Szabo, & of people living with low-income buying Rodney (2011), and Baumann, Engman, sustainably grown foods “always” Huddart-Kennedy, & Johnston (2017) and compared to only 2% of higher-income others. These include education level, Canadians (Figure 2). It was statistically race, presence of children in the home, significant that more higher-income age of children, age and gender. Canadians (40%) reported buying these Baumann et al. find that different traits foods “sometimes” compared to are associated with the intention to Canadians living with low-incomes (34%). purchase different kinds of sustainable foods; for example, having young children Research by Webber and Dollahite (2008, is associated with purchasing more p. 200) and Howard and Allan (2008, p. organic foods, while being white and a 239) indicates that consumers living with woman is associated with being more low-incomes are particularly attuned to likely to purchase local foods (p. 80). inequities in the food system, which could make them more likely to select sustainably grown foods because of the social benefits - if persistent barriers to their access were removed. The poll results mentioned above (Figure 1) indicating that lower-income respondents consistently rated the importance of sustainable production methods as more important than higher-income respondents echo this analysis.

S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L | 1 1 Indeed, they found that many living on depends on a household’s province or low-income and belonging to racialized territory of residence, income, main source communities employ “creative of income, housing tenure, education, adaptations of dominant Aboriginal status, and household repertoires to fit low income structure. Our findings highlight the circumstances, as well as the use of intersection of household food insecurity different cultural frameworks to address with public policy decisions in Canada moral issues around eating” (Johnston et and the disproportionate burden of food al., 2011, 293-4). insecurity among Indigenous peoples.

The tensions in this research related to the Focus group participants emphasized relationship between income and the necessity to prioritize the cost of attitudes toward sustainable foods merits housing over food. This was especially reflection and opens the door to further noted by parents, whose children may be investigation. It is possible that the taken away from them by the state if difference may be at least partially they do not have housing. In this context, contextualized by research methodology. food was considered a “compressible” The poll was conducted online, using expense. As a focus group participant Statistics Canada’s Low-income Measure, said: which is based on a combination of household income and household size.

More broadly, economic access to food, not just food that has been sustainably It is hard for me. Next Friday, I get grown, continues to be a very important my cheque and that has to last me issue across Canada. With one in eight Canadian households experiencing some to the end of January. It won’t. By level of food insecurity, access to food in the time I have paid my bills and general is difficult for many people. Some get groceries, I have maybe groups experience food insecurity between $100 to $150 left. I am disproportionately, pointing to the struggling so badly. I have my structural and systemic inequalities in niece come over once in a while. It society at large. As noted by Tarasuk, is so hard to feed her. Right now, I Fafard-St Germain, & Mitchell (2019): The probability of household food insecurity in don’t have any food in the house. I Canada and the severity of the experience am really struggling. . . It is my birthday tomorrow. I have told everybody to get me gift cards to Metro [the grocery store] because that will help me get through this month and next month.

S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L | 1 2 FIGURE 2: SUSTAINABLY GROWN FOOD PURCHASE FREQUENCY

SURVEY QUESTION: How often do you/does your household member buy sustainably grown food?

Base: Total Sample (n=1501), Low-income (n=500), Higher-income (n=1001)

S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L | 1 3 3 - INCOME/COST IS SEEN AS MAIN BARRIER TO BUYING SUSTAINABLY GROWN FOOD

While income/cost is seen as the main barrier to sustainable foods for Canadians living with low- incomes, access and time constraints are also barriers.

Survey respondents who reported that they sometimes/rarely/never buy sustainably grown food were asked an open-ended question as to why they do not buy it, or buy it more often. Across income groups, higher cost was the most commonly mentioned (unprompted) reason for not buying sustainably grown food more often, but availability was also a concern (Figure 3).

FIGURE 3: REASONS WHY SUSTAINABLY GROWN FOODS ARE NOT PURCHASED MORE OFTEN

SURVEY QUESTION: Why do you not buy sustainably- grown food/more often?

Reasons given for not buying sustainable grown foods more often are similar regardless of income.

Base: Those who buy sustainably grown food sometimes/rarely/never (n=849), Low-income (n=272), Higher-income (n=577)

S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L | 1 4 When focus group participants were As these quotes illustrate, people living asked whether they would like to buy with low-incomes and/or experiencing sustainably grown food, most expressed food insecurity often cannot prioritize the reality that, although it is in fact a the quality of the food they eat, or priority, it is often impossible. One focus whether it was sustainably grown - even group participant stated: when there are health reasons for doing so - in the context of other more pressing financial needs. One focus group participant said: I have to be very economical. I can’t afford everything. The healthier food, the nutritious food, is so expensive. I just buy things We are really struggling with our that are affordable, and sometimes finances right now. My son has for survival. [behavioural problems]. We find that the processed foods contribute to his attitudes. But Another commented: now I have had to go back to the processed foods because they are cheaper than the made-from-fresh The bureaucrats make your life stuff. It has totally changed his decisions. They say: “This is attitude. The bureaucrats make what you are going to live on, your life decisions. They say: “This and this is where you are going is what you are going to live on, to live, and this is what you can and this is where you are going to eat.” They expect us to live on live, and this is what you can eat.” expired boxes of Kraft Dinner They expect us to live on expired and dented cans of tuna. They boxes of Kraft Dinner and dented might as well put us in front of cans of tuna. They might as well a garbage can, put on a put us in front of a garbage can, [nosebag] like we are horses, put on a [nosebag] like we are and tell us to eat the scraps. It horses, and tell us to eat the is frustrating. scraps. It is frustrating.

S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L R E S E A R C H S U M M A R Y | 6 People will only buy food where they feel comfortable and will not shop at certain places where they feel discriminated against, even if this affects the quality of food they buy. There are a number of important questions that must be explored with future research about the role of racism in food access and consumption patterns.

FIGURE 4: BARRIERS TO BUYING SUSTAINABLY GROWN FOOD

SURVEY QUESTION: How much of a barrier to buying sustainably-grown food is each of the following for you?

Base: Total Sample (n=1501), Low- income (n=500), Higher-income (n=1001)

S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L | 1 6 4 - LESS AVAILABILITY OF SUSTAINABLY GROWN FOOD IN LOWER-INCOME NEIGHBOURHOODS

Canadians living with low-incomes report less access to smaller specialty grocers and farmers markets where sustainably grown foods tend to be more readily available.

According to the survey, Canadians living emphasized barriers - higher cost, with low-incomes are less likely to say they unwelcoming for lower-income people, have access to smaller specialty grocers the challenge of finding volunteers for the and farmers markets in their gardens, etc. Several people mentioned neighbourhoods, where sustainably grown holding farmers markets in high esteem, foods are more likely to be readily and that they carry the best food available, available (Figure 5). with one person noting the enjoyment of visiting the market even if she could only Discussions among focus groups afford “a couple of zucchinis”. Others had participants regarding local farmers never visited their nearest farmers market. markets and community gardens largely

FIGURE 5: AVAILABILITY OF DIFFERENT FOOD SOURCES

SURVEY QUESTION: How often do you, or does someone in your household, buy food from each of the following sources?

Base: Total sample (n=1501), Low-income (n=500), Higher-income (n=1001) S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L | 1 7 5 - TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY/WALKING CHALLENGES IN GETTING TO STORES

From the survey, Canadians living with low-incomes are three times more likely to report challenges getting to stores, particularly due to difficulties with walking/mobility.

Both focus group discussions and survey Difficulties with transportation and data illustrated that consumers living with mobility were also repeatedly mentioned low-incomes experience difficulty getting in each of the focus groups. Focus group to stores generally, due to greater reliance participants spoke about the increases in on public transit and health-related the costs of public transportation, the walking/mobility challenges. challenges of taking buses with groceries, navigating ice and snow in wheelchairs About 50% of lower-income poll and the difficulties of getting rides from respondents who reported having others. Participants also mentioned challenges in getting to where they buy specific obstacles for people living in ‘food food identified this was due to deserts’ where there are few shops and walking/mobility difficulties, and 33% said cars are needed for transport, as well as for stores were too far away/take significant people living in fly-in communities, and time to get to (Figure 6). communities only accessible by ferries, where food is very expensive and the supply unreliable.

S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L | 1 8 FIGURE 6: LOGISTICAL CHALLENGES TO BUYING FOOD

Yes, I face challenges getting to SURVEY QUESTION: Do you place(s) where I buy food or someone in your household have any challenges getting to the place(s) where you buy food?

SURVEY QUESTION: What types of challenges do you/your household member have getting to the place(s) where you buy food?

Base (above): Total Sample (n=1501), Low- income (n=500), Higher-income (n=1001)

Base (below): Those who say they experience challenges (n=182), Low-income (n=107), Higher-income (n=75)

S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L | 1 9 6 - CHALLENGES IN IDENTIFYING SUSTAINABLY GROWN FOODS AND TRUST IN PURCHASING

Certified organic and locally-grown products are considered relatively easy to identify, but Canadians have difficulty judging whether foods fulfill other aspects of sustainability.

As mentioned earlier in this report, The literature review and several focus consumers across income groups noted a group discussions indicated that for some barrier to buying sustainably grown foods consumers, there is no perceived was identifying them generally (Figure 4). difference between food labelled as When asked about identifying specific sustainably grown and conventionally aspects of sustainability in the survey, grown which may be related to public respondents across income groups trust. For example, one of the focus reported that it was relatively easy to groups highlighted some of the identify organic foods (44%) and locally- challenges experienced by newcomers. grown products (28%) (Figure 7).. However Some newcomers were used to buying they reported difficulty across income meat and produce directly from farmers, groups in judging whether foods fulfill but in Canada, their trust has been other aspects of sustainability - undermined by the separation between particularly if farm animals were treated consumers and producers/processors. humanely (only 8% found it Here they buy food in supermarkets, it is extremely/very easy to identify), and if usually imported, and the supply chains farm workers were treated fairly (only 7% are long and distant. Conversely, when found it extremely/very easy to identify). farmers market vendors say their produce This is notable as these are the aspects of is organic, they are believed, and their sustainably grown foods valued over produce is valued over all others, but others (Figure 2). there is still a price barrier.

S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L | 2 0 FIGURE 7: EASE OF IDENTIFYING SUSTAINABLY GROWN PRODUCTS

SURVEY QUESTION: How easy do you find it is to identify products which are….

Base: Total Sample (n=1501), Low- income (n=500), Higher-income (n=1001)

S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L | 2 1 7 - POLICY OPPORTUNITIES TO INCREASE ACCESS TO SUSTAINABLY GROWN FOODS FOR CONSUMERS LIVING WITH LOW-INCOMES

Policy proposals were generated from interviews with food security leaders.

Food security leaders who were Key informants also highlighted the interviewed as key informants for this importance of the right of farmers to research project offered analysis on what make a living wage, and for the right of could be improved or done differently to farm workers to be treated well and earn support low-income access to sustainably fair wages. The proposal was echoed that grown foods. Policy proposals were farmers growing sustainably should generated around supports for: receive government support for their sustainable farmers to grow and distribute contribution to the environment. Key more sustainable foods; institutions informants also underlined that people (schools, universities, hospitals, long-term experiencing food insecurity denotes a care facilities) to purchase and serve more systemic problem that could be solved sustainably grown food; the non-for-profit with a universal minimum annual income. sector to enhance their work and programs in support of access to sustainable foods; people living on low- incomes to directly improve access to sustainably grown food.

S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L | 2 2 There is widespread support for policies that increase greater access to sustainably grown foods across income brackets.

Policy priorities to increase access to It was statistically significant that Canadians sustainably grown food that were raised by living with lower-incomes more highly rated key informants and found strong public with strongly/somewhat support two of the support across income groups in the policy proposals: guaranteed annual survey are (Figure 8): minimum income (83% compared with 74% higher-income respondents) and offering subsidies so sustainably grown vegetables are Providing support for local farmers so they accessible to low-income Canadians (74% can grow markets for sustainable, local food compared to 68% higher-income (84% support based on poll). respondents). Supporting public institutions like schools and hospitals to buy and serve more local, Overall these findings resonate with analysis sustainably grown food (82% support based that joined-up approaches in social, on poll). economic and are Ensuring everyone in Canada has a needed in order to address issues of guaranteed annual minimum income and can adequately feed their households (75% consumer access and social justice, while support based on poll). simultaneously ensuring producers earn a fair Providing support for more community wage and are able to employ sustainable gardens, community produce markets, and techniques (Levkoe, 2011). farmers markets so they are widely available (range of 74 to 77% support based on poll). Offering subsidies (fresh-food stamps, farmers market tokens, or funding supplements) to Canadians living with low- income to increase access to sustainable foods (69% support based on poll).

S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L | 2 3 FIGURE 8: SUPPORT FOR SPECIFIC POLICIES TO INCREASE ACCESS TO SUSTAINABLY GROWN FOOD

SURVEY QUESTION: The following public policies have been suggested as ways to increase access to sustainably-grown food. Keeping in mind that increasing services could increase taxes or allocate existing tax dollars differently, how much do you support or oppose each policy idea?

Base: Total Sample (n=1501), Low-income (n=500), Higher-income (n=1001)

S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L | 2 4 FUTURE RESEARCH QUESTIONS

It is obvious that while economic barriers They may be better explored further are significant in improving access to through in-person discussions rather than sustainably grown food, there are online surveys. Additional studies are complex social, geographical, and cultural needed to uncover the complex factors at play as well. These must be intersections between social, cultural, and better understood and addressed in order economic barriers in these spaces; how to make meaningful policy changes that some alternative food spaces function as can facilitate better access to sustainable elite spaces, and; how others are being used foods for all. This is important not only for to dismantle racism, sexism, and classism. the needs of the individuals and households experiencing food insecurity, There is also great potential to further but for the environmental and economic investigate the crucial role of consumer health of communities across the country, food literacy and how to build it effectively. and the food security of future How can information about sustainable generations. food production methods, such as fair labour practices for farm workers, be better There are a number of important communicated to Canadian consumers so questions that must be explored about they can better understand the impact of the role of racism in food access and their food purchasing choices? How can we consumption patterns. Pockets of our better understand the priorities and food system perpetuate forms for racism, tradeoffs consumers may be making in their while others function as sites of purchasing around sustainability, and resistance. In terms of physical spaces, whether this changes as they learn more while the implicit barriers faced by people about sustainable food practices? visiting farmers markets or shops specializing in sustainable foods were discussed in the focus groups, these issues did not surface in the survey results.

S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L | 2 5 Acknowledging the consequences of There is great potential in exploring how we unsustainable food production also leads can re-imagine our food system with to additional relevant questions. decolonization, reconciliation, justice, and Specifically, what are the social, equity as central guiding principles which economic, and environmental costs will help to ensure greater support for, and associated with failing to improve access access to, sustainably grown food for all to sustainably grown food across Canada? Canadians. How do we calculate them? How can we ensure that the consumption of sustainably grown foods is encouraged through policy change and not simply individual behaviour changes that place additional burdens on those living on low- incomes? REFERENCES

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S U S T A I N A B L E C O N S U M P T I O N F O R A L L | 2 7

ABOUT FOOD SECURE CANADA

Food Secure Canada is a pan-Canadian alliance of organizations and individuals working together to advance food security and food sovereignty through three interlocking goals: zero hunger, healthy and safe food, and sustainable food systems. www.foodsecurecanada.org

RESEARCH FUNDING

F o r t h i s r e s e a r c h F o o d S e c u r e C a n a d a h a s r e c e i v e d f u n d i n g f r o m I n n o v a t i o n , S c i e n c e a n d E c o n o m i c D e v e l o p m e n t C a n a d a ’ s C o n t r i b u t i o n s P r o g r a m f o r N o n - p r o f i t C o n s u m e r a n d V o l u n t a r y O r g a n i z a t i o n s . T h e v i e w s e x p r e s s e d i n t h i s r e p o r t a r e n o t n e c e s s a r i l y t h o s e o f I n n o v a t i o n , S c i e n c e a n d E c o n o m i c D e v e l o p m e n t C a n a d a o r t h e G o v e r n m e n t o f C a n a d a .

HOW TO CITE THE REPORT

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3 8 7 5 , S t - U r b a i n s t r e e t , # 5 0 2 M o n t r e a l ( Q u e b e c ) H 2 W 1 V 1