Food and social justice in Saskatchewan: Community gardens as a local practice of food sovereignty

Food justice movements are vital elements of resistance to the conventional food system. As alternatives to producing and consuming food within the dominant agricultural system, food justice movements envision a food system based on positive environmental and social goals. These movements are important for social justice because they benefit and strengthen the practice of human rights and help build community. The significance of such alternatives is reflected in the rising popularity of alternative forms of production and consumption that mitigate the negative impacts of an exploitive industrial and globalized food and agricultural system. This thesis analyzes the contributions of three Saskatchewan community gardens as crucial players within food justice movements.;Using a qualitative case study methodology, the history and operation of three community gardens, distinguished by their goals of food security and community building, were studied. They are Grow Regina in Regina, the Saskferco Community Garden in Moose Jaw and the City Park Community Garden in Saskatoon. By analyzing key themes from the qualitative data using a six-pillar model of food sovereignty, the thesis concludes that community gardens can be recognized as local practices of food sovereignty.;By looking at the operations and implications of community gardens, important lessons can be learned about food and social justice in Saskatchewan. Recommendations and suggestions for further research are offered.;After evaluating various ideas discussed within food justice movements, including food democracy, food citizenship and sustainability, the concept of food sovereignty is used as a theoretical framework due to its comprehensive address of social and environmental issues. Food sovereignty is the right of peoples or countries to define their own agriculture, food, labour, fishing and land policies in ways that are ecologically, socially, economically and culturally appropriate to their circumstances.