#Canada #food insecurity #Scholarships #Mississauga #Maple Leaf Foods

Tackling Food Insecurity in Canada: Maple Leaf Centre's Support for Research

On June 4, 2025, the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security and Maple Leaf Foods (TSX: MFI) proudly announced the recipients of the 2025/26 Maple Leaf Board Scholarships in Food Insecurity. A total of $60,000 has been awarded to four exceptional scholars, each receiving $15,000 to further their research aimed at understanding and combating food insecurity in Canada.

The scholarship recipients include:

• - Rachel Blais, pursuing her studies at the University of Victoria, who is focused on the role of the nonprofit sector in addressing food insecurity in Iqaluit, with a keen emphasis on community-led recommendations for effective poverty reduction policies.
• - Gabrielle Jacob, from McGill University, is working on measuring the disparities in food insecurity rates among marginalized populations and analyzing how food assistance through food banks impacts these rates over time.
• - Sylvia Odhiambo of the University of Alberta is investigating how immigration status and associated experiences of trauma and mental health disorders play a role in food insecurity.
• - Michaela Tokarski, studying at Carleton University, is analyzing the repercussions of the Ottawa Food Bank's recent decision to cut food distribution by 20-50%, focusing on the implications for clients, member agencies, and staff.

These scholarships are a tribute to the remarkable contributions of previous chairs of the Maple Leaf Foods Board, including David Emerson, Wallace McCain, Purdy Crawford, and W. Geoffrey Beattie. Each year, the Centre selects candidates based not just on their academic performance but also on their potential to fill crucial research gaps in the field of food insecurity. The evaluation criteria emphasize methodological rigor and the practicality of research ideas.

Sarah Stern, the Executive Director of the Centre, highlighted the increasing rates of food insecurity across Canada, pointing out the necessity for nonprofits to adapt their responses to these changes. She noted, “These research projects will significantly enhance our understanding of how charities are meeting the needs of vulnerable groups, including newcomers and individuals facing mental health challenges.”

Since its establishment in 2020, the scholarship program has proven instrumental in advancing research on food insecurity, supporting 21 students in their academic pursuits to date. The Centre fosters learning and collaboration in its mission to reduce food insecurity significantly by 2030. The organization's foundational goal is to cut food insecurity in half by advocating for critical public policies while investing in knowledge and programming that empower communities.

The Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security, a registered charity, was founded in 2016 and operates under a governance framework that includes independent specialists dedicated to this urgent cause. In contrast, Maple Leaf Foods, the parent company, stands as a leader in the protein sector, producing a wide range of food products while emphasizing responsible practices and community support.

For those interested in exploring more about the scholarship process, detailed information can be found on the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security website. Through initiatives like these, the Centre aims not only to highlight the critical issue of food insecurity but also to support solutions grounded in research and community engagement. By investing in the next generation of innovators and researchers, it hopes to drive substantial progress toward a future where all Canadians have access to adequate, nutritious food.