We are excited to share that the Vancouver Neighbourhood Food Networks (VNFNs) are proud recipients of the Roger Inman Memorial Award for Community Economic Development from CCEC Credit Union.
CCEC is committed to keeping the money and resources working in our communities and actively supports and promotes the development of strong, successful community businesses, projects and organizations. The Roger Inman award is given annually to member groups that are active in social justice and co-operative development activity, and made a significant contribution to the economic development of the community.
Food security for all continues to be a serious challenge in our communities, exacerbated by the pandemic and perpetuated by the ongoing inequities, injustice, and effects of colonization. At the VNFNs, we adopt a long-term community development approach to food security that relies on building relations and partnerships through community-based food security programs, and community engagement in policy change – which are also key to weaving together a socially rich, connected, equitable, just and resilient community. In our work, we center economic and social equity along with justice and sustainability in order to return the control of our food system back into the hands of the community.
The Neighbourhood Food Networks are honoured to receive the Roger Inman Award. We are especially proud of our work in East Vancouver to help cultivate a stronger community-based food system grounded in justice, equity and food sovereignty. This award especially validates the important role that community development plays in establishing a strong foundation of meaningful community relations and engagement, strategic partnerships and community networks that are key long-term community well-being and resilience.
