Thinking Beyond Borders: Ideas, Values and Concerns of Food in a Global World

The 2008 Canadian Association for Food Studies Conference and AGM
University of British Columbia in Vancouver on 31 May – 1 June 2008

Come to the beautiful University of British Columbia campus located on the Point Grey Peninsula and in one of the most livable cities in the world: Vancouver, British Columbia. Here, daytime temperatures in late May allow for dresses, shorts and short-sleeved shirts!

Following two successful meetings in 2006 and 2007, which demonstrated the impressive breadth and depth of research being undertaken by Canadian food scholars, the Canadian Association for Food Studies (CAFS) would like to welcome you to its third annual conference and annual general meeting. CAFS promotes critical, interdisciplinary scholarship in the broad area of food systems, including production, distribution, and consumption.

During the conference, delegates will have the opportunity to share with colleagues from across Canada the latest research, education, programs and policy development relevant to food studies. There will also be additional learning and social opportunities, including a full day of pre-conference tours and a reception following the Saturday conference sessions, hosted by UBC’s Faculty of Land and Food Systems.

Food Tours: Friday 30 May 2008

Each tour is priced at $25 and includes a light meal as well as public transportation. The tours will be coordinated so that it will be possible to attend more than one tour.

Tour 1) Food Unfair: where a city block separates two vastly different food landscapes

Friday morning
We will walk down Hastings Street into the Downtown Eastside and discuss the food access challenges faced by some of Vancouver's most vulnerable population groups. Then step into a different world. Only a block away, we find plentiful Pender Street with Chinatown and its rich selection of foods and fresh produce. How can two such distinct food landscapes exist in one neighborhood? Learn how Vancouver is using its food policy mandate, in combination with neighborhood revitalization strategies to address a range of urban challenges.

Tour 2) Growing in Vancouver: a half-day tour through a selection of the many exciting examples of urban agriculture in Metro Vancouver.

Friday afternoon
As Metro Vancouver prepares to host the 2010 winter Olympics urban agriculturalists are working hard to fulfill the motion passed by city councilors to build 2010 new community garden plots. Find out what is happening in the city: from roof top gardens, to school and community gardens. Come see the city growing!

Tour 3) The Green Table Network: Can eating out be sustainable?

Friday evening
On this tour you will be introduced to the Green Table Network and see examples of how progressive restaurants and catering companies in Vancouver are taking steps to tread more lightly on the earth. You will hear and see how participating businesses are reducing waste, increasing recycling, conserving energy and water, using local foods and adopting other eco-friendly practices. At the end of the tour a light meal will be provided by one of the participating restaurants or caterers.

To register: http://www.fedcan.ca/congress2008/registration/delegates.html (early bird deadline 31 March 2008)

For further information about CAFS, the conference, and Call for Papers, visit: http://www.foodstudies.ca

For further information about the Conference location:
- City of Vancouver: http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/
- Super, Natural British Columbia: http://www.hellobc.com/en-CA/default.htm
- UBC Campus map and driving directions: http://www.maps.ubc.ca/PROD/index.php

See you in Vancouver!