Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Food Systems, Lakehead University
My research uses a food systems lens to better understand the importance of, and connections between social justice, ecological regeneration, regional economies and active democratic engagement. Working directly with a range of scholars and community-based practitioners across North America and Europe, I study the evolution of the broader collective of social movement networks which views the right to food as a central component of more sustainable futures.
Mobilizing existing partnerships, I integrate my research and teaching through community engaged learning pedagogies and support students, community partners and scholars to be actively involved in knowledge cogeneration. Through community-based, action-oriented inquiry and teaching and the development of placed-based action projects, my research contributes to critical discussions that inform theory, civil society action and public policy.
I have also been involved in community food security and food sovereignty efforts for over 15 years and have worked as a community-based researcher, operated an organic farm and led programming with non-profit organizations across Canada and in the Middle East.
Canada’s local food system faces major roadblocks without urgent policy changes
Mar 18, 2025 15:07 pm UTC| Insights & Views Life Governance
As Canadas trade conflict with the United States escalates, governments are encouraging Canadians to buy local to support the countrys economic, social and environmental stability and independence. But while enthusiasm in...
Basic income could play an important role in creating a more just and sustainable food system
May 01, 2023 06:58 am UTC| Economy
Canadas food system is experiencing ongoing stresses from supply chain disruptions, price inflation and extreme weather events. Canadians are feeling the effects of these stresses: in 2021, nearly 16 per cent of provincial...
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