Blog Post: Projects and partners

What happens to all the ugly fruits and vegetables? The sad reality of the Canadian food industry is that we waste $31 billion in food annually, often times because products don’t live up to the cosmetic standards of grocery stores. This food waste has negative economic, ethical, and environmental outcomes and is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. So, what can you do with malformed but still fresh food? There are many things you can make with ugly produce – tomato sauce, canned fruit, soup and dip mixes – the possibilities are endless!

Impact is at the core of the partnership between the Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS) and the Community Engaged Scholarship Institute (CESI). What started out as a targeted collaboration for an on-campus project spread like wildfire, initiating a web of activities and relationships that are sparking social change.

The Research Shop completed a program evaluation in August 2016 for The Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington’s Food and Friends, who initiate, facilitate and support quality nutrition programs in local schools. Student Nutrition Programs (SNPs), like those supported by Food and Friends, ensure that all children in Ontario hav