Abstract

For the past 30 years, the Toronto Food Policy Council (TFPC) has worked to embed community leadership in municipal food decisions. Their work has led to the creation of The Toronto Food Charter, a policy vision that enshrines Toronto’s commitment to improve food security. This work sets the foundation for the Toronto Food Strategy, now in its 10th year advancing the City’s ability to build food networks and catalyze partnerships to create innovative food solutions. Together, the TFPC, Food Charter and Food Strategy, provide a strong platform for citizen engagement and coordinated action. This article discusses the history and lessons learned from these innovative governance structures. As the authors suggest: with a climate crisis looming, increasing urban inequality, and a rise in food security issues, there is a pressing need for cities to develop approaches that centre equity and inclusion to ensure we are creating a food and climate future for all.