PROGRESS · DATED UPDATES
This page is the honest answer to “what stage is this at?”. It's updated when there's genuinely something to report — realistically every few months, not every week.
Contracted by Community Power Northumberland, the Centre for Healthy Communities at Loyalist College is currently leading a research and community engagement project to build a clearer picture of Northumberland County's food system — what exists today, how it has changed over time, what's working, where there are gaps, and where people see opportunities to work together.
The research includes a review of existing information, a community survey, and interviews with people who hold deep knowledge of the local food system. Together, this will help map local assets and relationships, learn from past and current initiatives, and inform where collective effort may be most useful next.
The work has been approved by Loyalist College's Research Ethics Board and is supported by the Northumberland Can Feed Northumberland Steering Committee.
Research led by
Community partner
SEPTEMBER 2026
IN ACTION
The food-system survey and this website launched. The survey is actively gathering information about Northumberland's food system, and planning is underway for a community gathering on Friday, November 27, 2026.
JUNE 2026
IN ACTION
The Northumberland Can Feed Northumberland Steering Committee formed, and the Centre for Healthy Communities at Loyalist College began its research and community-engagement project. See current research and engagement.
JANUARY 2026
EXISTS TODAY
A facilitated workshop that grouped local priorities into the initiative's four Action Areas. The workshop report is listed in Resources.
NOVEMBER 2025
EXISTS TODAY
Community visioning sessions, led through the Northumberland County Food Policy Council, explored themes and aspirations for a local sustainable food system in Northumberland. See Resources.
APRIL 2024
EXISTS TODAY
Hosted by IncrEdible Trent Hills, bringing people from across the county together to name barriers and opportunities. The final report is listed in Resources.
The fastest way to help right now is the food-system survey — please complete the survey by October 31.
Everyone is welcome at a community gathering on Friday, November 27, 2026 (details to follow). It will share what's been learned so far and help shape what comes next — new voices are especially welcome.
To be confirmed