Food and Community
Discover how Arrell Food Institute is shaping the future of food and community.
We are actively engaged in a variety of initiatives both locally and globally that promote equitable food systems, food justice, and community empowerment.
From supporting a national school food program to advocating food as a human right , we’re committed to creating a more just and resilient food system.
Explore our work and learn how you can get involved.
How We Are Showing Up
This page will dig into the multiple ways in which the Arrell Food Institute (AFI) is embedding itself into the conversation of food and community. Discover more on this page about:
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- AFI Community Food Lead Pauline Cripps
- Food Systems Resiliency Table (The Table)
- Campus Nutrition
- School Food Program
- Feeding 9 Billion
- Spotlight Investigation
- Our Experts
- Community Resources
Food and Community Events
Learn more about the latest community and food events AFI is connected to.
Community Food Lead
In May of 2024, Arrell Food Institute in partnership with the City of Guelph, Wellington County, and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is hired Pauline Cripps as the Community Food Lead. This is a new position designed to support community food system issues and inequities.
In her role she supports connection and coordination between regional food organizations, lead existing community food projects and support fundraising activities. This position develops from workstreams undertaken as part of the Smart Cities Project and includes the Food System Resiliency Table, Guelph Wellington Charter for Food Justice, Guelph Wellington Community Food Action Plan and University of Guelph campus food insecurity initiatives.
Food Systems Resiliency Table
In response to the systemic issues, underlying risks, fragilities, and inequities in global food systems and those shocks that were felt here at home in Guelph-Wellington, the City of Guelph and the County of Wellington’s Our Food Future initiative laid the groundwork for the Food System Resiliency Table (The Table). This unique regional food policy and programming working group connects diverse collaborators with roles and relations to food focused activities in the Guelph-Wellington region to make a better food system for us all.
With the Our Food Future initiative ending at the end of 2023, the Arrell Food Institute became the working group’s new host as of May 2024, with coordination provided by AFI’s Community Food Lead.
Campus Nutrition
U of G Food Market offers fresh produce at affordable prices, making it easier for students to eat healthy. This initiative aims to combat food insecurity and promotes sustainable eating habits. The market launched in 2022 as a collaboration with various campus organizations including; the University of Guelph Sustainability Office, the Community Engaged Scholarship Institute, The SEED and Arrell Food Institute.
U of G Food Market posts weekly on social media to stay engaged with their community. They share information about their hours and locations, weekly availability as well as tips and tricks.
Additional Resources:
- Learn about the launch of U of G Food Market
- Discover more about how U of G Food Market is improving access to affordable fruits and vegetables
School Food Program
AFI played a pivotal role in the announcement of Canada’s national school food program. Evan Fraser, AFI Director, is the inaugural co-chair of the Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council and has expressed his enthusiasm for this significant step forward.
Amberley Ruetz, a former Arrell Scholar and school food researcher, has conducted extensive work demonstrating the benefits of nutritious food for students. Her research has contributed significantly to the understanding of the positive impacts of school food programs and has been instrumental in advocating for this national initiative.
Feeding 9 Billion
A food security initiative based out of the University of Guelph, Feeding 9 Billion is providing insight, outreach & education around issues of food, agriculture & hunger globally.
This project aims to offer objective, evidence-based information in an accessible manner for all. Feeding 9 Billion aims to provide objective food system information to all, with a special focus on supporting and educating young people.
Spotlight Investigation
Spotlight is a multidisciplinary exploration of pressing food system issues. Through workshops, papers, and other media, experts have provided actionable recommendations to guide decision-makers in addressing these complex challenges.
Previous projects include; Food and Food-related Waste in Canada, Food and Nutrition Programs in Canadian Schools, Community Food Services and more.