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 policymakers, farmers, and stakeholders.
Sustainable Aquaculture
Dr Bryan Neff is leading efforts to address the global food gap exacerbated by human population growth. His team is addressing this shortage of animal protein by focusing on sustainable aquaculture. They research green technologies aimed at reducing the environmental impacts of fish farming, promoting more sustainable fishing practices. Their work includes developing genetically enhanced Chinook salmon with increased growth rates and disease resistance, which led to the establishment of Canada’s first organic fish farm.
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.
The Impact-Driven Program — Regenerator
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 global sustainability goals. Starting Fall 2024, the Regenerator delivers 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.
Outreach
Western Community Garden
The community garden was built by Western’s Sustainability Office, Society of Graduate Students, and EnviroUSC to engage in sustainable gardening practices. The garden contains 38 old concrete ashtrays repurposed as raised-bed planters for food crops. It has an additional 21 perimeter planters with native plants for biodiversity, and a central in-ground pollinator garden tended by faculty and students through the Campus as a Living Lab program.
Addressing Food Insecurity
The University Students' Council (USC) at Western addressed food insecurity by reducing stigma, sharing support resources, and promoting sustainable food practices. In celebration of World Food Day, Mariana Batista, USC Vice-President of University Affairs, led the initiative which highlighted ongoing challenges in food access and affordability. Activities included providing free food, student discounts, and recipe cards from Food Support Services (FSS). FSS also launched a customizable hamper system, allowing students to pick up essential food items.
Farmers Market
Hospitality Services at Western has been hosting a weekly Farmers Market since 2014 as a symbol of true food celebration where Western’s community is encouraged to connect with local farmers. Students, faculty, and staff at Western can purchase the region’s finest farm-fresh produce and locally made goodies like honey, jams, and baked goods.
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 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.
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.
WesternEats
The WesternEats app enhances the campus dining experience at the university by allowing students and staff to order meals in advance, skip dining queues, and access special discounts. Integrated with both campus and residence meal plans, the app ensures that everyone can conveniently manage their dining needs. By facilitating an efficient and user-friendly ordering system, WesternEats caters to the busy schedules of the university community, offering a practical solution for on-the-go eating.
