Local food is a growing and urgent priority. Vancouver Island supplies only 5% of the food its population consumes each year, and has only a three-day supply of food available if transportation services from the mainland are ever disrupted. The ICC helps educate the public about the importance of local food and farms when they put Island flavors on their menus and raise the profile of local food security.

“ICC members are passionate about local foods that deliver world-class flavor. By working collaboratively with farmers, making plans and commitments to grow and prepare more local foods, we are making our community’s shared food future more secure,” says Ken Nakano, President of the Island Chefs’ Collaborative and Executive Sous Chef at the Empress Hotel.

The ICC Local Food Festival: Defending Our Backyard, aside from being a marvelous local feast, operates as a fundraiser in support of local farms and farmers in their efforts to become more successful. Over the last 5 years, the ICC has provided CAN$22,000 worth of equipment to 16 small farms on Vancouver Island — helping to make those farms more sustainable. 

This year’s festival entertainment line-up features local talent with Kings Without, Children of Celebrities and The Ecclestons. Festival participants will also have the opportunity to learn about growing more of their own food, composting, the ethical harvest of seafood, local wineries and breweries, and the work of food-related special interest groups.

The Island Chefs’ Collaborative Local Food Festival: Defending Our Backyard on May 30th (Sunday) at Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site in British Columbia. Tickets are now on sale.  Early bird tickets qualify you for monthly dinner draws at the best eateries in the region.