Ryerson University staff and students may find themselves comforted by the new sustainable food policy said to be in place at the school this coming year, but will they be any better fed? The proud boast may help sustain the caterer’s bottom line but it ‘s a mystery what it will means on your plate. Here’s what to check for if you have time after class.
Sustainable agriculture is a way of raising food that is healthy for consumers and animals, does not harm the environment, is humane for workers, respects animals, provides a fair wage to the farmer, and supports and enhances rural communities.
Food that’s healthy for people. These days that could mean no sugar, no meat, no salt, no starch and no butter. Who gets to pick? It has to be healthy for animals too. Hey look, we’re pretty easy but are there going to be four-legged customers in the cafeteria? What does that mean for getting a ham sandwich? Altogether the food must be humane, fair, respecting of animals and enhancing of rural communities. Is dinner delayed until we hear from all the parties? Can we have half servings if the farmers are deadlocked?
