Upholding community values in the food system: a study of values-based supply chains in the Squamish to Lillooet region

The values-based food movement seeks to uphold shared community values in the food system, through the creation of trusting relationships and transparent information sharing, where the well-being of all supply chain actors is maintained. This study involved focus groups (n=21) and key informant interviews (n=22) with stakeholders in the Squamish to Lillooet food system. Data from the focus groups and interviews highlight the existing motivation to strengthen the food system, yet how this is inhibited by a lack of infrastructure and the economic landscape of the region. Furthermore, the data presented several solutions to scale local and values-based food, and what barriers exist in achieving this. Drawing from the findings, recommendations are provided to enable food system actors to embed values into their work. This study emphasizes the importance of transitioning away from a neoliberal food system approach towards a food system that is holistic in the values that it upholds.