Neil Hetherington Appointed to Board of Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security
The Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security, a recognized charity dedicated to combatting food insecurity in Canada, recently welcomed Neil Hetherington, the Chief Executive Officer of Daily Bread Food Bank, to its Board of Directors. This significant appointment reflects the Centre's commitment to harnessing experienced professionals to address the ever-growing crisis of food insecurity in the country.
Lynda Kuhn, Chair of the Centre, expressed her enthusiasm about Hetherington's addition, stating, "Neil brings to our board decades of front-line experience in addressing social justice issues and is a leading advocate in advancing public policies to reduce food insecurity." His proven track record in social justice and food security will indeed play a pivotal role as the Centre seeks to amplify its impact in this vital area.
Since becoming CEO of Daily Bread Food Bank in January 2018, Hetherington has overseen the organization's initiatives in Toronto, supplying fresh and shelf-stable food to numerous member agencies. Daily Bread is not merely a food supplier but also a national leader in research concerning the root causes and impacts of food insecurity. After early experience in project management with Tridel Construction, Hetherington transitioned to the non-profit sector, where he truly made his mark. His leadership roles included 16 years as the CEO of Habitat for Humanity in both Toronto and New York City, as well as two years leading Dixon Hall, another multi-service organization based in Toronto.
This strategic move to include Hetherington in the Centre’s leadership comes at a crucial time, as food insecurity continues to rise across Canada, fueled by factors like the economic climate and challenges brought on by the pandemic. The Centre, established in 2016, strives to reduce food insecurity in Canada by 50% by the year 2030. They accomplish this through advocacy for critical public policies, knowledge building, and empowering communities to achieve sustainable food security.
The challenges posed by food insecurity are not just about access to food but also involve broader social issues, including poverty and public health. By prioritizing a comprehensive approach that encompasses policy advocacy, community engagement, and education, the Maple Leaf Centre aims to foster a society where everyone has reliable access to nutritious food.
As Hetherington embarks on this new journey with the Centre, all eyes will be on the initiatives launched under his guidance and the impact they will have on Canadians struggling with food scarcity. His wealth of experience not only informs the Centre’s strategy but also strengthens their mission to enact meaningful change in food systems across the nation.
Members of the Board, alongside Hetherington, include a team of five independent experts who contribute their knowledge and insights toward achieving the Centre’s ambitious goal. The collaboration between these dedicated individuals is likely to catalyze significant advancements in tackling food insecurity, ultimately shaping effective solutions that nurture community resilience and sustainability.
As food security remains a pressing issue, the involvement of passionate leaders like Neil Hetherington offers hope and direction, reinforcing the need for ongoing dialogue, action, and commitment to creating a more equitable food landscape in Canada. Follow the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security on their journey to make impactful changes in the realm of food access and security for all Canadians.