Projects & Networks
Community Food System Report Card
Laying the groundwork for change
Food systems are shaped by the people, places, and policies that sustain them. The Report Card offers a snapshot of Northwestern Ontario’s food system—highlighting strengths, gaps, and community-led efforts to build a more just, resilient future. Rooted in local knowledge and asset-based development, it’s a tool for reflection, action, and collaboration across the region.
Publications
In 2015, we released the first Community Food System Report Card: a snapshot of our regional food system rooted in the seven pillars of a sustainable food system. It helped identify what was thriving, where things were struggling, and what needed nurturing. Like checking the soil before planting, the Report Card helped identify the conditions – social, economic, and environmental – that were shaping our food landscape.
In 2023, a second Report Card was launched, hosted on a dedicated website. It builds on the original, offering updated data, stories, and community-led successes that show how our food system is changing, and how local relationships, innovation, and partnerships are driving that change.
Thunder Bay + Area Community Food System Report Card (2023)
Why It Matters
Rooted in asset-based community development, these Report Cards are not just about identifying gaps. They’re about recognizing and celebrating the resources, strengths, and knowledge we already have, so that we can use them to grow a more just, equitable, and resilient food system.
FAN-NWO will continue to publish updated Report Cards so we can keep learning from the past, growing through the present, and building stronger, more resilient food futures together.
Explore the reports
Get involved
Put the Report Card into action: Tell us how you’ve used the Report Card, share ideas for future editions, or get in touch to bring it into your classroom, organization or community.
Reach out to us, we’d love to hear from you.