Despite the increased attention given to healthy eating, sustainable agriculture and food autonomy in Quebec, our food system continues to embody contradictions that threaten the health and well-being of humans and the planet.
Increase in food insecurity, increase in chronic diseases linked to low-quality food, precariousness of the food system: these are all problems on which we can act.
Support local production
By supporting the local production of healthy foods, we avoid the nutritional waste caused by monopolizing resources and land to produce ultra-processed foods that are emptied of a significant proportion of their nutrients during processing.
We must support the development of local food industries whose products and commercial activities contribute to our health.
Didicating additional funds
Dedicating additional funds to provide healthy, sustainable and local foods in public institutions, such as schools, municipalities and hospitals, makes it possible to offer quality foods and make them physically and economically accessible within communities.
It is important to adopt a government strategy, including incentives, to support the provision of healthy and sustainable food in public institutions and municipalities.
Revising Quebec logos
The “prepared or produced in Quebec” label should not be used to promote foods of poor nutritional quality or increase consumption of specialty products. Unfortunately, these subsidized seals of authenticity are often used to promote ultra-processed foods of low nutritional value.
Such labels should be used to highlight healthy and sustainable foods, particularly in promotional campaigns, so that the population can distinguish healthy products from those to be consumed occasionally.
Check out our policy brief!
Increase support for urban agriculture projects
Community, collective and residential gardens provide multiple benefits which include improving food security, increasing physical activity and developing knowledge and attitudes towards healthy eating, in addition to contributing to the fight against climate change.
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Ensuring economic access to fruits and vegetables for vulnerable populations
To ensure vulnerable populations have economic access to fruits and vegetables, it is important to establish a national food voucher program exchangeable for local fruits and vegetables.
Reform food taxes based on a nutritional approach
In Quebec, taxes and tax exemptions on food do not always follow a nutritional approach. These tax levers should be used to encourage the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and reduce the appeal of other over-consumed products.
To reduce the appeal and overconsumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, a 20 cents/litre tax should be applied to drinks that contain added sugar (e.g., soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit punches, vitamin drinks, sports drinks, iced teas).
Better regulation of marketing on packaging.
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Means of fostering a healthy and sustainable food system.
The overconsumption of ultra-processed foods is concerning.
Municipalities have the power to promote their citizens’ health.
Start prevention early with schools that promote healthy lifestyle habits.
Food coupon to ensure access to nutritious food.
