There is a food fight in Cumberland County.
The Cumberland County District Council is pushing for a new policy that would force schools in the area to buy food from a single vendor.
Last month, the Chignecto Central Regional Education Center began a new buying process that requires all 65 schools to buy food online from Armstrong Food Services, a Kingston-based Nova Scotia-based company that won the bid for be the only food supplier.
A statement from the center says that with the use of this service, all food for schools is pre-approved by a nutritionist to ensure healthy eating options in schools, and staff members should no longer use it. school hours or offering their own time to buy food.
Mayor Murray Scott says the council has been encouraging residents to support local food for years. (Pugwash Farmers Market)
But Cumberland County officials say local grocery stores and food vendors need to be supported.
“If our grocery store doesn’t have good support, it could close,” says Jennifer Houghtaling, Cumberland’s deputy mayor.
On Wednesday, the Cumberland Council approved a motion to send a letter to the CCRCE and to Becky Druhan, Minister of Early Childhood Education and Development.
The letter recommends that schools be able to shop locally.
Jennifer Houghtaling, Cumberland County Deputy Mayor, is an active member of Cumberland Local State. (Facebook)
The letter states that the benefits of local support include having the option to choose fresher products. Local stores donate items for fundraising, creating an important relationship between the two parties.
Houghtaling is an active member of Cumberland Local State.
“As a counselor, I had given a grant to Eat Local Cumberland to offer smoothies made with berries and local ingredients to the students, and the feedback on doing so in schools was phenomenal. The kids loved it and loved it. listening to local food and making smoothies, “he said.
Eat Local Cumberland is an organization that supports local food initiatives. (Facebook)
“I’m involved in the farmer’s market here and we’ve been trying to bring more farm food to school all the years my kids have been to school, but it’s been a challenge. It’s just one step further. back”.
While the province sets standards for food and beverages sold in schools, regional education centers are responsible for buying food.
Cumberland Mayor Murray Scott said the community depends on local businesses offering jobs and supporting schools and students through scholarships and community events.
“It’s a big deal for us,” Scott says, adding that the council has always advocated for the community to provide local support, while the CCRCE suggests otherwise.
“We just think schools should have the opportunity to buy premises if they want to,” Scott said.
A statement from the province said the new buying process is in its infancy and there may be additional food resources and options in the future.