Letters: City of Richmond's food for thought time is over

Dear Editor,

Re: “Farm group advocates for local food hub,” News, Feb. 11.

The Richmond Food Aid Delivery (FAD) Coalition also made a submission to city council and supports Farm Watch’s proposal. The FAD Coalition includes representatives from the food bank, food security society, poverty reduction coalition and various faith groups that provide emergency food to our most vulnerable residents. 

A food hub would be a real asset to the community. It could co-locate farmers, food processors, packagers and distributors, and provide more access to consumers.

It could promote “grow local, eat local” as well as providing jobs in food processing and distribution.

A food hub could also contain an emergency food component as part of a broader food systems network, could provide access to emergency food and programs where residents can feel they belong and contribute to society. 

Richmond grows much of the locally consumed food in Metro Vancouver. Perhaps it is time for the City of Richmond to join the network.  

De Whalen

Co-chair, FAD Coalition