Our Story

Land to Table (L2T) is a growing network of people and organizations from across the regional food system, including producers, processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, chefs, consumers, and food waste managers, as well as supporting groups such as not-for-profit organizations, government agencies and academic institutions.

We are inspired by the idea that a well-connected and coordinated network across the North Okanagan, who share a common vision and goals, can together develop a food system that is economically prosperous, environmentally sustainable and socially accessible.

Our History

Land to Table, originally known as the North Okanagan Food System Initiative (NOFSI), began in 2015 as a study circle around a kitchen table consisting of a small group of community members – all regional food system advocates and members of farming families in the region.

The study circle looked at the Vermont Farm to Plate Network – an inspiring example of how a collective impact network has transformed Vermont’s food system, including such significant improvements over 10 years (2003-2013) as: doubling local food production, increasing local food jobs by 10% and businesses by 15%, and improving access to healthy food for all Vermonters.

The study group agreed that the Vermont model had potential application in this region, and dedicated themselves to make it happen.

Our Mission

We catalyze connections and collaboration, mobilizing network participants’ ideas, knowledge and energy across the food system in the area of the North Okanagan.

Our Vision

To build a thriving, healthy, just and resilient regional food system in the North Okanagan; one that nourishes and connects people, sustains livelihoods, regenerates the environment, and builds community.

What Drives Us

Our work is guided by four interconnected pillars that we believe are required to create meaningful food systems change.

Land Acknowledgement

The work that we undertake as a mostly white, settler-led organization, is grounded in the traditional, ancestral, and stolen lands of both the Syilx and Secwepemc people (mostly within so-called North Okanagan).

For us, who are uninvited settlers to this land, we recognize that there is much work to do in educating ourselves about the truth of our history, as key to repairing and reconciling the damage that has been done through colonialism and residential school. We believe that food systems work offers an opportunity for building relationships with Indigenous communities that are based on respect and reciprocity and deeply connected to the land.

At Land to Table, we are privileged to do this work – to build a more resilient local food system in partnership with the community – and we offer our deep gratitude to the original stewards of the food lands and waterways here.

Our Funders

Regional District of the North Okanagan funding comes through the Rural Economic Development Grant, as funded by Electoral Areas “B” and “C”.