Food insecurity is rising in Canada, with over 22 per cent of the population struggling to access enough nutritious food – a crisis worsened by inflation and soaring living costs. Food banks are overwhelmed, and the demand shows no signs of slowing. So, what can be done? And how can policy drive real change?
At Necessities of life: Policy’s role in food security, Ivey lecturer Jessica Kelly moderates a panel of leaders from across southern Ontario to explore solutions to Canada’s growing food insecurity crisis. Panelists will examine local challenges, share strategies for improving food equity, and discuss the critical role of policy in ensuring a safe, affordable, and accessible food supply.
This Impact Live event is part of The Future of Agri-food Event Series, a flagship initiative of Ivey’s Centre for Building Sustainable Value (BSV) that convenes thought leaders to reimagine Canada’s agri-food sector and advance a more just and resilient food system.
Meet the panelists
Councillor for King's Town District, City of Kingston
Councillor Gregory Ridge, a Kingston native, holds a Master of Public Administration from the Queen's University School of Policy Studies. He also holds degrees from St. Lawrence College and Laurentian University. Gregory previously worked as a Constituency Assistant and Legislative Assistant for a former MPP, engaging in community projects. He's also been involved in the arts and is a former Finance Officer. Passionate about policies for housing, environment, and the arts, he lives in Kingston with his wife and son.
Director, Arrell Food Institute, University of Guelph
Evan Fraser is the Director of the Arrell Food Institute and Professor of Geography at the University of Guelph. He is an award-winning author, with five books, over 150 academic publications, and op-eds in several major media outlets. As one of Canada’s most cited academics working on the future of food, sustainability, and climate change, he is a sought-after expert and speaker in his work with communities, the corporate sector, and the Federal Government. Evan is the inaugural co-chair of the Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council and sits on the United Nations’ High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition.
Director of Resource Development, Food for Life
Meaghan Richardson is the Director of Resource Development at Food for Life and past co-chair of the Halton Food Security Action Table. Meaghan is a professional agrologist with experience in the agricultural and non-profit sectors, with a focus on local food production and food security. She has spent the last decade working at Food for Life ensuring that those facing food insecurity have access to healthy fresh food. She is also a Director of the Halton Region Federation of Agriculture and farms alongside her husband and family.
Meet the moderator
Lecturer, Ivey Business School
Jessica Kelly is a Lecturer in the Managerial Accounting and Control group at Ivey Business School. Beyond teaching, Jessica is the co-founder and COO of a fast-growing agri-food production company that serves markets throughout North America. Her professional career has focused on the development and management of high value product supply chains within the agri-food industry. Jessica holds a Master of Science in Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of Guelph and an HBA from the Ivey Business School.