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SDG 2 Reports
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Research
Advancing Regenerative Agriculture in Canada
Western University is expanding its leadership in sustainable food systems through the new Abell-Hodgson Chair in Regenerative Agriculture at Ivey Business School. The initiative supports interdisciplinary research and collaboration focused on climate resilience, ecological restoration, and sustainable agri-food systems. Through projects such as the Collective Action Program for Regenerative Agriculture (CAP), Western is helping connect farmers, businesses, and communities to advance regenerative farming practices and long-term environmental sustainability across Canada.
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Revisiting Regeneration - Research Update
Western researchers continue to advance regenerative sustainability initiatives through interdisciplinary work focused on climate resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable land management. In 2025, Western faculty and research teams explored regenerative approaches in areas such as agriculture, ecosystem restoration, sustainable finance, and community resilience, contributing to innovative strategies that support both environmental and societal well-being. These efforts align with Western’s newly finalized Climate and Sustainability Strategy and reinforce the university’s commitment to developing long-term, regenerative solutions to global sustainability challenges.
Teaching
Regenerator: An Impact-driven Program
The 16-week accelerator program is dedicated to agri-food start-ups committed to sustainability and systemic change. In partnership with the Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship and the Centre for Building Sustainable Value, it offers hands-on mentorship and educational training focused on decarbonization, biodiversity conservation, and bio-circularity. Designed to embed best practices into actionable strategies, the program empowers entrepreneurs to accelerate their ventures and contribute significantly to the global sustainability goals. The Regenerator program will deliver live modules on key sustainability topics and fund 8 agri-food ventures for a 4-month intensive program.
Fresh at Western
FRESH (Food Resources and Education for Student Health) is a nutrition education initiative created and led by graduate students in the Master of Science in Food and Nutrition program at Brescia University College. The program takes a research-informed, multi-faceted approach to promoting healthy eating on campus, with the goal of building nutritional awareness, developing practical food skills, and positively shaping the campus food environment for students.
Foods and Nutrition Program
Western’s Foods and Nutrition program combines interdisciplinary learning in nutrition, food science, and community health with practical applications in sustainable food systems and wellness promotion. Students develop knowledge in areas such as nutrition care, food security, community nutrition, and health promotion, preparing them to support healthier and more sustainable communities through evidence-based food and nutrition practices.
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Outreach
Five Ways to Shape the Future of Food Systems
Through the 2025 Five Ways to Shape the Future of Food Systems initiative, Ivey Business School engaged students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders in discussions on building more sustainable and resilient food systems. The initiative highlighted practical approaches such as regenerative agriculture tailored to local communities, reducing food waste through circular economy solutions, promoting nutrient-focused food security, and encouraging mindful consumption practices. The event also explored how innovation, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies can support more sustainable food production while keeping solutions accessible and community-centered.
Western Community Garden
Western’s Community Garden promotes sustainable food practices, biodiversity, and community engagement through a shared growing space on campus. Supported by the Sustainability Office, Society of Graduate Students, and student organizations, the garden provides opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to participate in sustainable gardening, local food production, and pollinator-friendly planting initiatives. The space also supports experiential learning and campus sustainability efforts by encouraging hands-on engagement with urban agriculture and community-based food systems.
MealCare
Western partners with MealCare to recover surplus edible food and redirect it to those in need in the London community. Through this initiative, more than 37,950 meals have been diverted from waste and delivered to local food aid organizations in London, Ontario. The program supports both sustainability and food security, with staff and community members benefiting from the redistributed meals.
Operations
Western Meal Plans
Western University’s meal plan program supports student well-being and food accessibility by providing flexible dining options across campus residences and hospitality locations. With any meal plan, students can dine at more than 20 eateries, access over 70 vending machines across campus, and choose delivery or dine-out options through more than 20 partner restaurants on and off campus. Meal plans also provide tax savings and discounted food pricing compared to regular retail purchases, helping make campus dining more affordable and accessible for students. Western Hospitality Services further supports sustainable food systems through local sourcing, plant-based dining options, and food recovery initiatives aligned with the university’s sustainability goals.
Food Support Services
Western University Student Council’s Food Support Services helps relieve hunger among Western undergraduate students by supporting those facing barriers related to food insecurity. The service provides access to an on-campus food bank in UCC Room 40F, confidential digital food hampers that can provide 5–7 days of groceries, and hygiene hampers for essential personal care needs. It also runs events such as Restocked To Win, Free Breakfasts, and Haunted not Hungry, while promoting education and advocacy around food insecurity, hunger, and poverty.
Value Picks
Western Hospitality Services’ Value Picks program provides nutritious and affordable meal options priced under $10 before tax. Items are marked with a simple labelling system to help students quickly identify affordable and nutritionally balanced choices across campus dining locations. This supports SDG 2 by improving access to lower-cost food options while helping students make informed food decisions.
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Research
Advancing Regenerative Agriculture in Canada
Envision a future where Canadian farms thrive while restoring ecosystems and combating climate change. Dr Diane-Laure Arjaliès and the Ivey Sustainable Finance Lab team at Western University present a compelling report on regenerative agriculture, highlighting sustainable practices that enhance biodiversity and mitigate environmental impacts. Discover innovative financial strategies and collaborative efforts crucial for this green transition, with actionable insights for policy-makers, farmers, and stakeholders.
Plant Stress & Food Insecurity
Researchers in Western’s Department of Biology are addressing global food security challenges by studying how plants respond to environmental and biological stress. Their work spans molecular, biochemical, and physiological research on plant tolerance to climate-related factors such as drought and heat, as well as plant-pest and plant-microbe interactions. By exploring biosynthetic pathways and resilience mechanisms, this research contributes to the development of hardier crops and more sustainable food systems in the face of climate change.
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Teaching
Nutrition Education
The undergraduate Foods and Nutrition program at Western University delves into nutrition’s critical role in society, encompassing food science, health determinants, and cultural influences. The program features specialized modules such as Nutrition and Dietetics and covers topics like Nutrition Care, Community Nutrition, and Sustainable Food Systems. This comprehensive educational approach equips students to contribute positively to societal health, addressing issues like disease prevention and community well-being through informed dietary and nutritional practices.
Regenerator: An Impact-Driven Program
The 16-week accelerator program is dedicated to agri-food start-ups committed to sustainability and systemic change. In partnership with the Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship and the Centre for Building Sustainable Value, it offers hands-on mentorship and educational training focused on decarbonization, biodiversity conservation, and bio-circularity. Designed to embed best practices into actionable strategies, the program empowers entrepreneurs to accelerate their ventures and contribute significantly to the global sustainability goals. The Regenerator program will deliver live modules on key sustainability topics and fund 8 agri-food ventures for a 4-month intensive program.
FRESH at Western
FRESH (Food Resources and Education for Student Health) is a nutrition education program developed by graduate students enrolled in the Master of Science in Food and Nutrition program. It aims to enhance nutritional awareness and skills among university students, focusing on improving the campus food environment and providing experiential learning opportunities. Through this initiative, graduate students lead efforts to educate their peers about nutrition and healthy eating practices.
Nutrition Management
Western’s Nutrition Management program combines academic and hands-on training in clinical nutrition, food preparation, and foodservice operations. Students gain practical skills in menu planning, business development, and food safety, preparing them for leadership roles in diverse institutional and commercial food settings.
Outreach
Sustainability, Food and AI Conference
Western hosted a conference exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can challenge and support global food sustainability in the face of climate change. The event focused on emerging innovations such as agrivoltaic systems that combine solar energy with food production, AI-powered tools for monitoring soil and crop health, and waste heat recovery from data centers to support greenhouse agriculture. By integrating technology and sustainable practices, the conference highlighted opportunities to build more resilient and efficient agri-food systems.
MealCare
Western partners with MealCare to recover surplus edible food and redirect it to those in need in the London community. Through this initiative, over 8,900 meals have been diverted from waste and delivered to local food aid organizations. The program supports both sustainability and food security, with staff and community members benefiting from the redistributed meals.
Free and Open-Source Hardware
Western’s Free Appropriate Sustainability Technology (FAST) Research Group advances sustainable agriculture by developing open-source, solar-powered 3D printers and recycling technologies. By enabling decentralized production of farming tools through accessible designs and AI integration, FAST supports cost-effective, efficient, and locally adaptable solutions for Canadian farmers.
Operations
Hospitality Services
Western Hospitality Services is dedicated to fostering a healthy and sustainable food system on campus. They focus on aligning and assessing current initiatives with the UN SDGs. Additionally, they partner with organizations like MealCare, Food Support Services, and Ark Aid Mission to enhance food recovery processes, ensuring more efficient use and distribution of resources within the campus community.Local Meal Programs and Food Banks
To support students and community members facing food insecurity, Western has compiled a list of local food banks and community meal programs across London. This resource connects individuals with accessible food support options beyond campus.
Food Support Services
Food Support Services, managed by the University Students’ Council, is committed to alleviating food insecurity among students, staff, and the wider community. This service raises awareness on food insecurity, hunger, and poverty, both locally and globally. It offers an anonymous food hamper program where students can complete a request form to receive a grocery bag. A walk-in food bank is accessible during business hours.
Value Picks
Western’s Hospitality Services launched the Value Picks program to provide nutritious and affordable meal options priced under $10. Using a three-colour labelling system to indicate nutritional value, the initiative helps students make informed food choices without compromising on taste or quality. Value Picks are available at various campus dining locations, clearly marked on menu boards and grab-and-go items.