The goal was to get local residents talking about food security at a gathering Thursday evening but not until after dinner.

On the Table 91原创 was one of several community dinners funded through the Vancouver Foundation with the participation of Fraser Health.

Alison Smith, agricultural co-ordinator with the 91原创 Environmental Partners Society, and Stacey Wakelin, who has overseen community dinners in the past, jointly organized the event.

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The event was timed for autumn 鈥渨hen the harvest is high,鈥� and was deliberately planned as a dinner, not a sit-down lecture or workshop, Smith explained.

鈥淚t鈥檚 much more welcoming,鈥� she said about the dinner format. 鈥淚 think it does break down a few barriers, if you鈥檙e talking about food security, if you鈥檙e talking about it while you鈥檙e having a meal.鈥�

The event attracted a broad mix of residents and the meal was held at the United Churches of 91原创 (Murrayville). While the meal was free, there was a cost. Those attending where expected to take part in the discussions.

Smith explained that food security is an important issue in 91原创 even though it may not be highly visible.

鈥淭his is the land of plenty,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淲e always see full grocery stores but what we don鈥檛 see is a lot of people who can鈥檛 afford those prices.鈥�

As well there is the issue of food waste that could be repurposed to help feed people or if unfit for human consumption, diverted from the landfill.