Projects

Supporting the activities of Food Secure Canada, in collaboration with the Maple Leaf Centre for Action on Food Security

This project supported the delivery of Eat Think Vote, a non-partisan campaign delivered ahead of the 2021 Canada federal election. The campaign focused on uniting community members based coast-to-coast-to-coast to speak with their local candidates about issues affecting food policy. Its purpose was to leverage engagement to topics related to food security and food sovereignty, among others, during a pandemic and ongoing climate crisis. Eat Think Vote encourages a food system where everyone has dignified access to healthy, culturally appropriate, sustainably produced food.

Project completed in 2021

In collaboration with the City of Toronto—Social Development, Finance and Administration 

The Toronto Food Policy Council (TFPC) connects diverse people from the food, farming, and community sectors to develop innovative policies, projects, and resources centred on generating a health-focused food system. TFPC members identify emerging food-related issues that will impact Torontonians, promote food system innovation, and facilitate food policy development. 

This project supported the review of the TFPC’s organizational structure and mandate to foster more inclusive and effective approaches to its work. 

Project completed in 2021

In collaboration with Charles Audy Memorial School located in Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation (Manitoba) and Northern Manitoba Food Culture and Community Collaborative.

Maple syrup harvesting has always been part of the Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation tradition, a tradition and practice passed on from generation to generation. With maple syrup readily available in grocery stores, the harvesting of maple water has been left behind. This project enabled Grade 4-8 students of Charles Audy Memorial School to go out onto the land to learn how to tap maple trees, harvest and process maple water into maple syrup. This activity  was a part of their grandparents’ livelihood; it is a manifestation of food sovereignty, and is helping to ensure traditional skills and knowledge tied to maple harvesting  remains alive and well in the Wuskwi Sipihk communities of Northern Manitoba.

In collaboration with Conseil Système alimentaire montréalais, Project impact collectif de Centraide du Grand Montréal and La Fondation du Grand Montréal.

The pandemic has put a lot of pressure on our food system. When economic recovery begins, the City of Montreal will need to (re)build a food system based on public health needs, that also supports economic and ecological resilience. This project enabled Conseil SAM to conduct an analysis during the COVID-19 crisis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the city’s local food system; set priorities for economic recovery, and establish a 10-year roadmap to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of a local food network for Montreal.

In collaboration with the Coalition for Healthy School Food, Arrell Foundation, Mazon Canada and others.

This project enables the Coalition for Healthy School Food and its 180+ members to build awareness about the importance of meal and food literacy programs. Educational activities included are: collecting data that supports a case for a School Food Program for Canada, preparing high-quality educational materials that summarize key issues and opportunities, coordinating visits of Coalition members to meet with local MPs, and building relationships that prioritize awareness about nutrition needs for children. 

In collaboration with Food Secure Canada and The J.W McConnell Family Foundation.

To encourage a transformative approach to Canada’s pandemic response and recovery plans, this project supported a number of activities including: monitoring food systems policy and program developments by the federal government; identifying emerging proposals and innovation from food movement leaders in the context of COVID-19; responding to government requests for discussions, analysis and participation regarding food system issues and COVID-19; and convene roundtable and meetings with civil society and the federal government.

In addition, the project prioritizes inclusive food policy governance by including and learning from multiple civil society initiatives, conducting primary research on existing food policy influences, and amplifying the voices of individuals that are Indigenous, Black and/or People of Colour.

Project completed in 2021

In collaboration with Miskooseepi School located in Bloodvein First Nation (Manitoba) and Northern Manitoba Food Culture and Community Collaborative.

This project enabled the Miskooseepi School Food Program located in Bloodvein First Nation to purchase much-needed healthy food for children in a community where food insecurity has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The youth-focused project also supports educational and skill-building activities related to healthy food systems and actions that advance food security for the community.

Project completed in 2020

Supporting activities organized by the AfriCan Food Basket.

Since 1995, Afri-Can Food Basket (AFB) has been feeding Toronto families through a range of programming that have provided healthy and culturally-specific food to African, Caribbean, and Black families in Toronto. To support education and awareness of food sovereignty in African, Black and Caribbean communities, sponsorship from PFI supported this first Black Food Sovereignty Conference, which was an online event focused on the cultivation of food sovereignty and eradication of racial injustice in food systems.

Project completed in 2020