Historically, a majority of people in North America lived on farms, and produced their own food supply. Yet since the turn of the century, the way we produce, process, transport and eat food has evolved, with both positive and negative implications for health. In recent years, a holistic view of the economic, environmental and health aspects of food has developed, and an acknowledgement of our responsibility to influence and alter conditions for a better future. The result has been the development of sustainable local food systems.    

This paper defines and discusses food systems, and sustainability in the context of food systems. Examples are shared from four different communities who are successfully implementing the principles related to Local Sustainable Food Systems, and the ways that their elements and values are influencing food systems throughout the province and nation.