Centering a right to food in the vision for a just and resilient circular food economy in Vancouver, B.C.: Theory of change application

Food loss and waste occurs at an alarming rate while many households in Vancouver are food insecure; Meaning they go without stable access to sufficient food to fulfill the requirements for a healthy diet. This project incorporates a right to food framework in a circular food economy to centre justice and equity to address the issue of food loss and waste. Drawing upon interviews with n=20 agri-food experts, this study developed a theory of change which identified the challenges, needed interventions, and overall vision for a just circular food economy in Vancouver. Findings from this research identified the importance of dynamic governance system that targets critical points for change including regulation, funding, and capacity building. The novel approach taken to incorporate a right to food framework contributes to food systems planning by centring equity and justice in the development of a sustainable and just food system that fosters circularity.