By ROY WOOD

Oliver council has agreed to spend up to $15,000 a year for three years to fund a food security program provided the town is able to secure matching monies from Interior Health.

Carol Sheridan, community contact for the Okanagan-Similkameen Healthy Living Coalition, asked council Monday to submit a letter of intent to Interior Health indicating it will take the lead in a “community food action initiative.”

Following the December deadline for submissions, Interior Health will choose three communities from amoung applicants and each will be eligible for up to $15,000 a year for three years in matching funds.

The resulting $90,000 total is to be used to plan and implement a food security plan.

Interior Health defines food security as: “Everyone is able to get food that is safe, healthy and fits their culture through a sustainable food program. The food system supports self-reliance and locally grown food.”

Food security plans are aimed at:

• Encouraging local food production and processing;
• Promoting buying food locally;
• Reducing food waste;
• Conservation of fuel, water and soil resources;
• Education about the importance of the food system; and
• Involving local businesses and organizations.

Council agreed to the proposal from Sheridan and indicated it will seek participation from the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen and the Osoyoos Indian Band.

Sheridan assured council that if the town does not secure Interior Health it will not be bound to spend anything on food security.