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Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security Awards Scholarships

In a recent announcement, the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security and Maple Leaf Foods unveiled the recipients of its 2026/27 Maple Leaf Board Scholarships, aimed at addressing food insecurity in Canada. The organization has allocated a total of $60,000 in scholarships to support the research efforts of four exceptional graduate students.

Honoring Pioneering Leaders

Each year, the Centre honors past Chairs of the Maple Leaf Foods Board of Directors—David Emerson, Wallace McCain, Purdy Crawford, and W. Geoffrey Beattie—by awarding these scholarships to students dedicated to investigating food insecurity issues. The recipients this year are all pursuing either master's or doctoral studies, with their research focused on various aspects of food insecurity that affect marginalized populations across Canada.

Meet the Awardees: Significant Research Projects

1. Alexandra Doran from Simon Fraser University will delve into the intersections of food and housing insecurity experienced by single mothers in Canada. By analyzing both data and firsthand experiences, her research aims to uncover solutions to this pressing issue.
2. Firoozeh Bairami Hekmati, representing Dalhousie University, will study the influence of Canada’s Old Age Security programs on the food security and overall well-being of low-income senior citizens in Atlantic Canada.
3. Diego Bitencourt Minas hailing from Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, plans to examine how the urban food landscape impacts Indigenous populations residing in Maniwaki and Gatineau. His work will also highlight community-driven efforts to protect traditional food practices while bolstering food security initiatives.
4. Sian Borden from Queen's University will collaborate with African Nova Scotian communities to better grasp local food systems and empower grassroots solutions aimed at enhancing food security and sovereignty.

The Importance of Research in Addressing Food Insecurity

Sarah Stern, Executive Director of the Centre, emphasized the alarming rates of food insecurity in Canada and the necessity for ongoing research to address the diverse needs of various population groups. She remarked, “These research projects will enhance our understanding of vulnerable populations, informing government policies and community programs that can effectively address their needs.”

The Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security has awarded research scholarships since 2020, with a total of 25 students benefiting from this generous initiative to date. This support is critical in improving insights into the barriers and interventions necessary for achieving food security in Canada.

About the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security

The Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security is a registered charity powered by a vision to reduce food insecurity in Canada by 50% by 2030. The Centre champions research initiatives, cultivates partnerships across sectors, and advocates for policy changes that address the root causes of food insecurity within the country.

About Maple Leaf Foods

Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Maple Leaf Foods Inc. is a purpose-driven, protein-focused consumer packaged goods company. With a commitment to producing responsibly sourced and delightful food, their strong portfolio includes brands like Maple Leaf®, Maple Leaf Prime®, and LightLife®. Maple Leaf Foods leads the industry with an emphasis on safety, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring that they provide quality products while also creating shared value for their stakeholders.

For more information about the scholarship process or the Centre's initiatives, visit the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security's website.