The past two weeks have been a time of uprising and activation against systemic racism, oppression and related violence that has and continues to impact black, Indigenous, and other people of colour.
At Farm to Cafeteria Canada, we stand against racism in all its forms. We grieve with the individuals and their loved ones affected by racism. We recognize that inaction perpetuates racism, and we are committed to learn and engage more as an ally in the collective actions to end racism.
Racism is prevalent in our food systems, and Canada is not immune. Recent research found that black Canadian households are 3.6 times more likely to be food insecure than white ones. Children of black households are also disproportionately affected by food insecurity, with 36.6% experiencing food insecurity, compared to 12.4% of children in white households. Food insecurity has also been similarly well-documented to disproportionately affect Indigenous households in Canada.
It is not possible to achieve Farm to Cafeteria Canada’s vision without addressing racism.
As a knowledge sharing partnership organization, we have been moved by the protests around the world that seek justice for George Floyd. We have been moved to reflect on what we can do to address racism. As we enter a phase of reflection, we would like to encourage you to join us in learning and acting for positive change. Below are some links to information we have been and will continue to read, watch, and reflect on.
We recognize that learning and reflection without action is not enough. We invite you to join us in this conversation to collectively learn, share, and identify new courses of action to strengthen our food systems in Canada so they are free from racism.
In solidarity,
Farm to Cafeteria Canada
For parents and educators
- How to Talk to Kids about Race and Racism
- Curriculum guide and teaching materials
- Teaching Tolerance’s resources and toolkits for both professional development and curriculum
- Speak Up: Opening a Dialogue with Youth About Racism
- 6 steps on How White People can Talk to Their Kids About Racism
Literature for children and youth
Credit to Dr Yoni Freedhoff for the following links specific to children and youth (read his full posthere)
- 23 Phenomenal Young Adult Books by Black Authors from the First Half of 2020
- This list of children’s books that discuss racism from @wanderingbritt_
- And this one from @bronze_bae for young adults
For individual and organizational learning
