Tuesday June 18, 2024 | VIEW ROYAL, BC
by Mary P Brooke, B.Sc. | Island Social Trends
The Urban Food Resilience Initiatives Society (UFRIS) will be making a presentation to the Town of View Royal council this evening regarding emergency food storage as a municipal asset and operational support to the broader emergency response network. Livestream at 7 pm or attend in person. [See agenda online]
The UFRIS delegation will provide an introduction to the west shore regional work of UFRIS (which launched in January 2024) and a proposal that View Royal embrace a new project to be leaders in emergency food storage.
In the event of a major physical or community disruption (e.g. earthquake or pandemic) the usual food supply chain (grocery stores and food banks) will likely be inoperable for a few days and possibly a few weeks. Frozen food that can be available or distributed in a major emergency would take significant organization, but it may be an idea who’s time has come.
The setup of a freezer facility could be front-ended by a community learning hub or drop-in centre.
The short presentation to View Royal council will be made by UFRIS Executive Lead Mary Brooke who has a background in community health (nutrition focus) and has been active as a community leader in the west shore region for many years.
About UFRIS:
UFRIS presently has about 75 active supporters, several of whom are ready to take part in hands-on project development in various communities including Langford, Sooke and View Royal.
This summer UFRIS will host an Urban Food Panel (on July 24 at the community office of Mitzi Dean, MLA) and have an information booth at Sooke Night Market (on August 15 on the Sooke Region Museum grounds).
Volunteers can help out with development projects including community gardens.
UFRIS is also working on a neighbourhood food-growing pod pilot project in Sooke this summer. Once a neighbourhood is designated, UFRIS will reach out to everyone in that area to invite their participation.
More UFRIS Projects & Events.