Mission & Principles

PEI Food Security Network brochure in PDF

The PEI Food Security Network’s Mission Statement

The PEI Food Security Network is an education and action organization committed to achieving food security in Prince Edward Island. It is dedicated to changing community attitudes and public policy to promote: environmentally appropriate practices for the production and distribution of food; the availability of affordable, healthy, culturally appropriate and personally acceptable food; livable income for producers; the right to food; and PEI self-reliance in food.

Adopted March 4, 2008

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The PEI Food Security Network’s Principles

1. All people have the right to an income that allows them to live in good health and with dignity. No-one should be forced to choose between food and meeting some other basic need.

2. All people who are involved in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of food have the right to a livable income.

3. Charity is an appropriate response to emergency or temporary situations. Social justice (working for long-term solutions by changing institutional structures and personal attitudes and perspectives) is essential in addressing the root causes of food insecurity.

4. Any degradation of the environment is a major constituent of the real cost of food. An ecologically responsible system of food production, processing and distribution is a necessary part of food security.

5. Community attitudes and public policy are major influences on food security and must be focal points for action on food security.

6. Production, processing, distribution and consumption of food are all components of a food system that is influenced by social, economic, cultural and environmental factors.

7. Any movement to promote food security will be made stronger by the meaningful participation of people involved in all aspects of the food system; for example, people in P.E.I. who experience food insecurity, primary producers, people involved in food marketing and distribution, concerned citizens, environmental health advocates, livable income advocates, front-line service providers, environmentalists, and people involved in government and policy development.

8. The unique role that women play in providing nourishment for their families must be recognized in any movement to achieve food security.

9. The right to food is a basic human right to which all people are entitled.

10. Diversity and inclusion are important aspects of the movement to achieve food security. The movement must invite the participation of people of diverse cultures; Aboriginal people; women; people of all ages, all income levels, sexual orientations and abilities, language and health status.

Adopted March 4, 2008