Affordable Food

The rising cost of food has become a serious crisis. Families are paying more for basic groceries, food banks are under more pressure, and many residents are forced to make difficult choices just to get through the week.

A municipality cannot control national grocery prices, global supply chains, or inflation. But it can help make local food more available, more visible, and more integrated into community life.

Local food security should be part of how we plan our parks, our waterfront, our public spaces, and our community partnerships, not an afterthought.

Plant more fruit and nut trees in appropriate public spaces, and embrace edible landscaping where it makes sense, so public land becomes more beautiful and more productive at the same time.

Create more low-maintenance community gardens that are practical, accessible, and sustainable.

Build stronger partnerships with growers, food banks, service clubs, schools, churches, community organizations, and businesses.

Together we can help stock local pantries with fresh, healthy food and improve access for the people who need it most.

As part of a broader waterway rehabilitation strategy, Smiths Falls should work with the right partners to restore fish habitat and explore a science-based, responsible fish stocking program.

Done responsibly, this can improve the ecosystem, support recreation and tourism, and help ensure residents have access to fish as a local food source.