Our Food Future was born in 2019 from a vision of sustainability and community. The program sought to address the complex challenges of our food system. With the support of Infrastructure Canada’s Smart Cities Challenge and a $10 million grant, the seeds of change were sown.
Over the next four years, Our Food Future became a beacon of innovation, rallying over 1,000 stakeholders to launch more than 80 projects. These projects spanned the entire food system, from cultivation to consumption, each one proof of the power of collective action. The initiative earned both national and international acclaim.
Soon, the Circular Opportunity Innovation Launchpad (COIL) emerged as a sister initiative, further propelling a circular economy. Together, they (Our Food Future and COIL) demonstrated an accelerated development and deployment of groundbreaking initiatives that have reshaped the way food is produced, distributed, and consumed.
One such initiative has been a focus on food waste reduction. Through collaborative efforts with local businesses, the programs diverted tons of food waste from landfills, channeling it instead into new value-added products and applications. From transforming surplus produce into nutritious animal feed to converting food waste into renewable energy, these initiatives not only reduced our environmental footprint but also created new economic opportunities for the community.
The impact of Our Food Future and COIL extends far beyond the boundaries of Guelph and Wellington. By sharing learnings and best practices, the program has been able to inspire and empower other communities across Canada and around the world to embark on their circular economy journeys. Leveraging strategic partnerships and knowledge-sharing initiatives, the Our Food Future model is being replicated and adapted to address the unique challenges and opportunities of diverse regions.
The Project concluded in December 2023, but you can read the full COG-SC report.
