Evidence-Based Food Policy
Lead Researcher: Adela Kincaid
Other Researchers: Ian Parfitt
Coop Students: Hannah Dueck (Lead Intern), Alana Barone (Phase 1 Mapping), Nerissa Abbott, Leeza Perehudoff
External Researchers: Wallapak Polasub (ISFS, KPU)
Collaborating Agencies: Central Kootenay Food Policy Council – Abra Brynne (overall project lead), Institute for Sustainable Food Systems (ISFS) at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), Regional District of Central Kootenay, RDI, Interdisciplinary Applied Research Team at ARIC
The Evidence-based Food Policy Project sought to develop an evidence base and strategic rationale for policy development that can best support and promote sustainable and viable land and water use and vibrant food economies for the long term. The Applied Research and Innovation Centre at Selkirk College (ARIC) and Selkirk Geospatial Research Centre (SGRC) contributed to the project through GIS analyses and the creation of cartographical products (including static maps and a web application – see link below for the RDCK Food Policy Web App) to help support evidence-based decision making for food policy in local governance. ARIC also contributed a methodology report (linked below) to guide future research partnerships both in the Kootenays and in other rural areas. This project was a partnership between the Central Kootenay Food Policy Council, the Applied Research and Innovation Centre (including the SGRC), the Regional District of Central Kootenay, the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Interior Health, Kootenay and Boundary Farm Advisors, West Kootenay Permaculture Co-op (Kootenay Food), and the Young Agrarians.