Getting to Know Our Food System Partners by

Chris DeVries, Common Ground Farm

2025-03-18 20:01:29 UTC

I'm sorry but I won't be able to attend the meeting. I'm interested in what the board is doing though and would love to be kept up with what is going on. We serve the local community year-round with food grown on our farm so the topic is of course very interesting to us!

Jose Medina

2025-03-18 20:34:34 UTC

VP. regulatory, Food safety and Quality.

Dessert Holdings

I am interested in continuing making LMFPC an organization that serves our community and its interests.

Jason Gilliland, HEALab Western University

2025-03-18 20:39:25 UTC

Unfortunately, I have a work conflict and can no longer make it. However, I am interested in learning more about the goals and plans for the Food System Alliance and how we might collaborate on some impactful activities.

Christina Seely dietitian London InterCommunity Health Centre

2025-03-18 20:43:59 UTC

I am unable to attend but very interested in this initiative, I look forward to hearing the minutes thank you.

Skylar Franke, City of London

2025-03-19 00:58:27 UTC

Food security is important to me

Lella Blumer, climate advocate

2025-03-19 01:09:14 UTC

VERY interested in what will be discussed and planned, particularly in terms of collective action & advocacy - and very disappointed that I won't be able to attend. All the best for an amazing session.

Kim Phair

2025-03-19 01:12:08 UTC

I run the Student Nutrition Program as a parent volunteer at Holy Rosary. Food insecurity in our community is important to me.

Jean Coles, Councillor - Middlesex Centre

2025-03-19 11:37:11 UTC

I am a dedicated entrepreneur, educator, and community leader with a strong passion for sustainable food systems and local economic development. As the Ward 1 Councillor for the Municipality of Middlesex Centre and a board member of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, I advocate for environmental stewardship, sustainable land use, and policies that support local agriculture.

Representing many farmers in the rural areas surrounding London, I understand the challenges and opportunities within our food system. While I regret that I am unable to attend the meeting due to a scheduling conflict, I look forward to learning more about the discussions and collaborating on innovative solutions for a more sustainable and equitable food system.

Amy Ford, Nourish & Urban Roots

amyjoyford — 2025-03-19 12:16:03 UTC

Food has incredible power to connect us to culture, healing, and each other. Let's meet the moment to come together and strengthen our regional food system for better human & planetary health.

Len Devost, Mission Services of London

2025-03-19 12:43:54 UTC

I am attending to learn more about this initiative as from what I've read thus far I can see some great work being done and am extremely happy for the invite.

Chandany Chen, London Training Centre

2025-03-19 12:57:25 UTC

I'm interested in attending to learn more about the proposed food system alliance and how London Training Centre can fit in it to help our community deal with food security. Many of our clients that come through our agency are dealing with food insecurity.

Lindsay Botnick, St. Joseph’s Health Care London

2025-03-19 13:28:54 UTC

I am excited to be a part of this opportunity to connect, learn, grow and look for ways to improve our food system for our community

Alyssa Rush, PhD Candidate at Queen's

2025-03-19 14:22:01 UTC

I live in London, ON, and am very interested in local food systems, social justice, and building community. I am researching links between ecological sustainability and social sustainability, and to what extent ecological agriculture can provide equitable jobs for farm workers and farmers.

Joe Gansevles, The PATCH

2025-03-19 14:35:20 UTC

I am attending on behalf of the PATCH where we share a common belief that food security should be accessible for everyone.

Susan Smith, Dietitian, MLFPC/LHSC

2025-03-19 15:18:35 UTC

I am very interested in sustainable, food security.

David Billson, rTraction

2025-03-19 15:21:50 UTC

This seems to be at a nexus of a few of my favourite things: food, social justice, and stronger communities.

Matt Rice, Growing Chefs! Ontario

2025-03-19 15:38:58 UTC

As an education focussed chef and member of the community, I'm very excited to hear about some plans and actions to put forth to support our local food systems and community.

Ashley Patterson, City of London MLFPC Rep.

2025-03-19 16:02:24 UTC

I support various community food initiatives and would like to be aware of more initiatives to avoid duplication and make the most impact.

Michelle Smibert, Thames Centre Deputy Mayor and Middlesex County Councillor

2025-03-19 16:03:15 UTC

Ensuring that local food is available for everyone is important to me.

tim drew / chef owner thing of Mache : Vegan Kitchen & Catering Co.

2025-03-19 16:35:54 UTC

I believe in supporting and utilizing local agriculture, because some day the trucks from California will stop coming loaded to the brim with GMO strawberries, and some day the ships won't be coming with Bananas, and someday the cargo containers won't be coming with coconut milk. It is critical that we support our local food ways, vegan or not. Our food system is interconnected and the success of our food system will determine the success of our people when the day comes that the deliveries stop.

Kim Sutherland Ronald McDonald House Charities

2025-03-19 16:44:23 UTC

We are looking to serve more and serve better. Whether that is families using our space or people able to benefit from our donations.

Let start the conversation.

I am not able to attend the first call but look forward to building a support system in the future.

Cathy Burghardt-Jesson, Mayor Lucan Biddulph, Councillor Middlesex County

2025-03-19 16:48:56 UTC

Interested in local food initiatives supporting equitable, accessible food security.

Ellen Lakusiak, MLFPC volunteer

2025-03-19 16:53:16 UTC

I am very interested in strengthening our local food system and with my history of working as a Food System RD, I would like to contribute further to this work.

Shannon Hawke, ROSE Land Care Association / New Moon Community Homestead

2025-03-19 16:58:58 UTC

ROSE LCA is eager to learn how our mission can align with and support local food security.

Aina DeViet, Mayor Middlesex Centre

2025-03-19 16:59:38 UTC

Eager to learn about the goals and objectives of this initiative... food security is part of a virtuous cycle of health, well-being.

Jean Carson

2025-03-19 17:00:03 UTC

Former member/executive of MLFPC and current chair of the Maple Leaf Fund

Deana D'Ambrosio, Manager Food and Nutrition Services, St Joseph's Health Care London

2025-03-19 17:00:28 UTC

We serve 1000 people meals per day within our walls and as an anchor organization have the desire and good will to better support our community.

Josh Taylor- Manager of Business Development for the Agri-Food sector with the London Economic Development Corporation. Here to support the sector in any way needed.

2025-03-19 17:01:01 UTC

Sean Murray - Tourism London

2025-03-19 17:01:24 UTC

Excited to learn more about the culinary scene in London and it's initiatives

Craig Clifford, Hospitality Services Western University. We are users of Meal Care and Second Harvest donating left over foods to local needs

2025-03-19 17:01:27 UTC

Christy Cook - Education Programs Manager - Growing Chefs! Ontario

2025-03-19 17:01:41 UTC

To learn more about this exciting initiative!

Tosha Densky from London Food Coalition

2025-03-19 17:01:42 UTC

Would love to collaborate on food security initiatives in London

Krista Peraza Administrative Dietitian at LHSC

2025-03-19 17:02:40 UTC

Interested in learning how we can be involved!

Heenal Rajani - Institute for Community Sustainability, Reimagine Co, and SuperBenefit DAO

2025-03-19 17:02:41 UTC

I work at the intersection of circular economy, community action and systems change, and I'm here because I believe in food systems that are regenerative, just, and community-owned. I'm also deeply engaged in emerging technology, exploring how Web3, AI, decentralized governance and community currencies can help to build more resilient local systems and communities. While I can only attend for the first 20-30 minutes today, I'm excited to connect and collaborate on reimagining how we grow, distribute, and access food in London and beyond!

Meagen Ciufo ED LIFE*SPIN

2025-03-19 17:03:29 UTC

At LIFE*SPIN we focus on empowering Low income families and facilitate programming that supports the challenges they face. One of those is food security.

Dan Collings - Second Harvest

2025-03-19 17:03:50 UTC

Interested in learning more about this initiative

Dr Danielle Battram, Western University

2025-03-19 17:03:51 UTC

Always interested in being apart of organizations that serve our community and to create opportunities for our Food and Nutrition students.

Emma Rankin

2025-03-19 17:04:03 UTC

Representing Fanshawe College as the restaurant, cafe and event manager at the downtown campus. Looking forward to seeing how we can help in any way.

Brendon Samuels, City of London Environmental Stewardship and Action Community Advisory Committee (former chair)

2025-03-19 17:04:04 UTC

Food insecurity is a core concern for long term climate change adaptation and resiliency. I want to understand gaps and figure out how to remove barriers using municipal policy and through community organizing.

Laura Harries Coordinator Food Services LHSC

2025-03-19 17:04:11 UTC

Excited to learn more about this initiative.

Paul Ladouceur

2025-03-19 17:04:17 UTC

Director, Emergency Management and Security Services - City of London

Richard Lee - Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers

2025-03-19 17:05:13 UTC

We have the largest concentration of greenhouses in North America that are dedicated to cucumber, tomato, and peppers production. We produce over 505 million kg of vegetables annually and have donated over 2.25 million kgs of produce to local food banks in the southwestern Ontario. Looking for opportunities to support programming across Ontario anyway we can.

Katherine Jones, Executive Chef Growing Chefs! Ontario

2025-03-19 17:05:26 UTC

Now is the time to call to action our dedication to supporting local food, expose transparency in our sourcing, and decide how we want to meet this pivotal moment in our lives to make our future more sustainable

Stanislav Rajic from GCCRC

2025-03-19 17:05:28 UTC

Happy to explore collective action re: Food Prosperity

Leah Derikx - London Environmental Network

2025-03-19 17:06:20 UTC

I'm interested in learning more about this collective action and how LEN can help amplify the calls to action and connect our membership to this work! Thank you for hosting and the invitation.

Chantel Crockett - Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) & Councillor, Municipality of Thames Centre

2025-03-19 17:09:51 UTC

My participation is twofold. As a Councillor in Thames Centre, representing a predominantly rural riding, supporting residents remains a top priority during these challenging times. Additionally, in my role at the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC), which represents 55 member organizations spanning Ontario’s entire agri-food supply chain, I can bring a broader perspective to this discussion. This positions us as a key contributor, expanding the conversation beyond London-Middlesex should it evolve in that direction.

Vicky Morrison

2025-03-19 17:11:56 UTC

Director for Middlesex Elgin Lambton Essex and Kent milk producers

Jessica Wiles-Drake (she/her), London Intercommunity Health Centre

2025-03-19 17:16:07 UTC

As a community dietitian at the health centre, I work directly with folks facing food insecurity, and I help to coordinate the centre's utilization of current London Middlesex food security resources.

Jen Wyant - Executive Administrator, Growing Chefs! Ontario & Londonlicious

2025-03-19 17:24:48 UTC

Always looking to learn more and collaborate with our Community!

Eunice Yidana, Secretary of MLFPC Executive Committee/ Founder and CEO of EUNY BESPOKE MEDIA

euniceyidana — 2025-03-19 17:31:12 UTC

With an educational background in International Development Studies, I am interested in food security. I am also attending to learn more about the Food System Alliance and contribute efficiently to its implementation.

Samara Kianfar, RD, London InterCommunity Health Centre

2025-03-19 17:35:32 UTC

I'm a Registered Dietitian and support clients in the community most closely facing food insecurity and am eager to engage in an alliance for food security to improve the well being and health of those in our community

Jess Notwell, King's University College

2025-03-19 17:36:48 UTC

Anna Badillo invited me because we work together to connect students with the land as our Mother and our plant relatives, to cultivate reciprocity with the land, and to take concrete action toward food justice. I am excited to learn more about where we can connect with this wider initiative.

Roberta Gibson, Assistant Superintendent Student Well-Being London District Catholic School Board

2025-03-19 17:37:55 UTC

Food Security is so important. I am eager to learn how not only am I am able to be part of this opportunity bt how can our students help in this work as well as benefit form this work.

Lori Runciman, London Community Foundation

2025-03-19 17:38:35 UTC

System Change to address Food Insecurity is amazing and interested to learn how we may be a part.

Jeff Pastorius - Centre for Building Sustainable Value - Ivey Business School

2025-03-19 17:47:16 UTC

My background is in building local sustainable food businesses in London since 2008. Presently managing the Collective Action Program for Sustainable Agriculture pilot - An action research project developing a community of practice of local farmers to increase resilience and agroecology in Middlesex county.

Victoria Nation, Manager Food and Nutrition Services, St Joseph's Health Care

2025-03-19 17:47:55 UTC

Food is medicine. Looking forward to learning more.

Reg Ash, Western Fair District

2025-03-19 17:55:49 UTC

Western Fair is a non-profit agricultural society that promotes the value of agriculture and farming, participates in research of the needs of the agricultural community, and provides facilities that enrich the lives of people in our communities.

Rebeca Sousa from LIFE*SPIN

2025-03-19 18:03:17 UTC

A program coordinator with LIFE*SPIN supporting our Community Food Box program and our Pocket Sized Farms program.

Andrew Fleet - Middlesex London Food Policy Council/Growing Chefs! Ontario

MLFPC — 2025-03-19 20:32:54 UTC

Anna Badillo, Urban Roots London

2025-03-20 14:53:49 UTC

Urban Roots is a non-profit organization that revitalizes underused land in the City of London for agriculture by:

Producing high-quality organically grown produce;
Distributing produce equitably through our model of thirds;
Developing urban agricultural educational opportunities;
Growing an ecological urban agricultural model.

Vision Statement:

Urban Roots London’s vision is Growing Fresh, Healthy, Connected Communities through increasing food security and fostering self-reliance in the city of London.

Values:

Urban Roots is dedicated to fostering a sustainable and equitable food system through the following core values:

Economic Sustainability
Food System Equity
Meaningful Labour
Ecosystem Accountability

Through these values, we aim to create an equitable food system that is not only productive but also fair, respectful, and environmentally responsible.

Sarah Finch, Investing in Children

2025-03-21 13:52:38 UTC

Investing in Children (IIC) provides nutritious foods during many of its programs. Children's Nutrition Network (CNN) is made up of many great organizations that are passionate about food security for children. CNN provides emergency food funds to schools to support their school nutrition programs. During the summer, IIC's Snack Stop Program provides bins of free healthy food to various locations throughout the city where kids may be hanging out. Last summer, over 18,000 healthy snacks were provided. Our weekly free HARK Program has a cooking portion to help kids learn about creating healthy snacks. IIC's other programs also provide healthy snacks. I personally have been part of MLFPC since 2021 and believe in the importance of food security for our community.

Mike Courey - New Moon Community Homestead

2025-04-02 18:39:46 UTC

We are a local regenerative/biodynamic farm focused on creating a resilient local food system and providing ways to connect urban and rural communities through agriculture and nature. We farm vegetables and multiple livestock using an ecological and community development approach. We are exploring and interested in expanding our food processing and food security aspects of the farm.

I was disappointed I couldn't make it to the first meeting but look forward to working with this great group on such an important challenge.