In this Food Makers & Changers interview, we get to know Darcy Higgins of Food Forward who, in partnership with Building Roots, works with Torontonians to create a better city through food.
About Darcy:
Darcy Higgins is the founder of Food Forward, Toronto’s key advocate and connector of good food work. Over the last five years he has engaged Toronto’s public, City officials and business community, delivering dozens of events, projects and policy development which has raised the profile and development of urban agriculture, social entrepreneurship and good food access across the City. He built a strong network of City food leaders, and is regularly called on to speak with media, and advise community groups and business groups on food projects. He recently championed a City-wide focus on the development of food infrastructure in Toronto’s housing developments, facilitating policy development and projects among builders, planners, councillors and the public as a partner of Building Roots.
What is one change you’d like to see happen within the food system and why?
I want to see more independent farmers, cooks, food sellers and more to broaden ownership of the food system and bring it back into people’s hands. We can do this through building food infrastructure in all our neighbourhoods so people have access to starting a business.
If you could only have three vegetables for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
Eggplant for its malleable texture and ability to take flavours. Onions to go with everything. And greens for freshness and nutrition.
What has been your most meaningful and rewarding work to date?
In bringing people together and helping folks in Toronto to create new opportunities that themselves have made a positive difference in healthy food access.
If you could only have one non-local food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Bananas!
Where do you stand on local vs organic vs simply eating whole foods? What are your personal priorities when it comes to your own diet?
Good food is important. My personal diet matters less than the contribution of foods to the land and the workers. Food should heal and support people and the land.
It is important to buy from small and independent folks to help them succeed – that’s as important as local. Keeping food more local, whole, organic, diverse and veg helps many aspects of our ecosystem and the climate.
What would surprise most people about your history with food (and/or embarrassing food stories)?
I’m no expert. Since I started Food Forward, people come to me assuming I’m a farmer and a chef and a foodie. I know more about food policy, and I’ve gained so much knowledge from our community that I only know how much more there is to learn about food.
Who do you most admire in the food movement?
The residents and workers in neighbourhoods all over who commit to making things better with different projects in their communities. It is a positive and powerful movement and I’m inspired all the time.
What is your favourite season and why?
I enjoy the vibrancy of a Toronto summer, the people, beach, vegetation.
Do you have any advice for newcomers to the food movement, and how they can make a contribution?
Talk to lots of different people to get the diversity of topics and contributions that people are making.
Do you have any advice for veterans of the food movement?
Same thing. Keep your eyes open for new things, ways to up our impact, and young people to support with different kinds of ideas.
If you came back to earth for three more lifetimes, what life form would you choose to be and why?
Some kind of bird, so I could see more of the full picture.
What do you daily or weekly to try and be a part of the solution when it comes to creating a sustainable food system?
I’m working to develop projects that show that food belongs everywhere, that places to grow, cook, buy and share food should be in every neighbourhood and all housing developments.
What is one of your favourite memories of eating in community?
Last summer at a community dinner we organized with residents of one apartment tower – it was fantastic to have people joining together to share what they’d cooked with neighbours, and me as a guest.
Is there a fruit or vegetable that you just won’t eat?
I tried durian, and I’m good.
A quick summary of your approach to community development
I like to support people to gain new skills, connections and an ability to learn about systems that play a role in their lives and make a difference. Helping people gain new experiences and supporting them in those helps others learn and gain insight in how to make a difference.
What issue/passion inspires you to keep doing the work you do day after day?
People are suffering with inequities that cause poor health, less cohesion and unequal opportunities. This makes me want to do more, and to improve lives of people, animals and the planet.
Favourite junkfood?
Potato chips
This post is part of the HH Food Makers and Changers series, introducing you to friends in the food community that are making a big difference.