The Eastern Ontario Local Food Conference (EOLFC 2013) provided a great opportunity to share information, learn about success stories and gather information on innovative local food businesses, projects and best practices. The conference was organized by KEDCO (Kingston Economic Development Corporation) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ministry of Rural Affairs. The theme of the conference was Innovation Driving Local Food and it was held December 3, 2013 at the Ambassador Hotel in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. This topic is ottawa valley food cooperative - devorah belinsky - cooperative models panel.

1. Building Local Food Bridges
in Renfrew County

2. Founded in 2008
Based on:
Oklahoma Food
Coop Model

3. The Ottawa Valley Food Co-operative (OVFC) is a
collaborative of farmers, market gardeners, producers,
artisans and consumers.
OVFC envisions a local, sustainable food system, which is
economically viable for producers and provides fresh,
healthy food and products to consumers.

4. Deep River
Petawawa
Pembroke
Cobden
Arnprior
Ottawa
Killaloe
Wilno
Barry's Bay
Renfrew
Burnstown
Eganville
Monthly on line ordering of local food and
artisanal products are sorted and distributed
across the Renfrew county and beyond

5. Challenges
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sustainable funding for staffing needs
Lack of outreach & partnership development
Few dedicated volunteers
Meeting varied producer needs
Meeting varied consumer needs
Varying beliefs in regards to food and nutrition
Cautious approach
Lack of marketing & promotion
Rudimentary IT management system

6. Moving Forward
Reaching out to community organizations
Developing partnerships with institutions
Education / Life skills opportunities
Decentralized food hub model
Buy Local Food Campaign
Creative partnerships
Central Food Centre
Farm 2 School

7. www.ottawavalleyfood.org
info@ottawavalleyfood.org