Halton’s fresh food shortage - Link between processed foods and unhealthy weight discussed

Municipalities plan for housing, schools and parks, but it’s time they start planning for food, according to Margaret Webb, author ofApples to Oysters.

Webb was the keynote speaker at Halton Region’s recent Food Forum, held at Country Heritage Park in Milton.

“We’ve got to re-plan our communities to be more friendly to local transit and local food,” said Webb, following her speech, during which she criticized the nation’s processed food industry as contributing to obesity.

“We’ve been ignoring food for the past 30 years,” during which time obesity rates have tripled, she said. “We’re in danger here. Our food system’s really messed up.”

Webb said she’s fortunate that living in Toronto she has the opportunity to buy food from organic food stores and plentiful fresh food markets.