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Food Insecurity - What can Businesses Do?
Manage episode 480768122 series 3346429
In this episode of Pros and Conversations, host Peter Reynolds and co-host Damon Adachi dive into the pressing issue of food insecurity affecting communities across Ontario and beyond. They explore the vital roles that entrepreneurs, small businesses, and large retailers can play in ensuring that no one in their community goes hungry.
Joining them are two insightful guests: Stephanie Ashton-Smith, Vice President of Development and Partnerships for Feed Ontario, and Aaron Wade, Manager of Public Relations and Community Investment at Farm Boy. Together, they discuss the mission of Feed Ontario, the importance of food banks, and the systemic changes needed to combat food insecurity.
This episode is part of our Community Impact Series, where we look at how businesses can make a real difference in their communities—by breaking down barriers, creating inclusive spaces, and stepping up to support local needs. It’s not just about doing good; it’s also good for business. When companies give back and care about the communities around them, everyone wins.
Interested in learning more about the fight against food insecurity? Visit www.feedontario.ca to find out how you can get involved.
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Chapters
1. Introduction to Pros and Conversations (00:00:00)
2. Exploring Food Insecurity (00:00:15)
3. Community Impact Series (00:00:36)
4. Importance of Community Investment (00:01:10)
5. Guest Introductions: Stephanie Ashton-Smith and Aaron Wade (00:01:49)
6. Feed Ontario's Mission (00:02:11)
7. Feed Ontario's Key Pillars (00:02:35)
8. Feeding Possibility Program (00:03:07)
9. Advocacy and Systemic Change (00:03:28)
10. Immediate Relief vs. Systemic Change (00:03:54)
11. Long-term Solutions Beyond Food Banks (00:04:22)
12. Income Support and Living Wage Advocacy (00:05:03)
13. Statistics on Food Bank Usage (00:05:55)
14. Challenges Faced by Food Banks (00:06:38)
15. Farm Boy's Role in Community Support (00:07:10)
16. Farm Boy's Community Integration (00:07:39)
17. Holiday Food Drive and Partnerships (00:08:01)
18. Food Rescue Explained (00:08:47)
19. Importance of Fresh Food Donations (00:09:59)
20. Agricultural Partnerships (00:10:52)
21. Levels of Food Insecurity (00:11:24)
22. Changing Demographics of Food Bank Users (00:12:39)
23. Addressing Stigma Around Food Banks (00:13:35)
24. Mid-Episode Sponsor Messages (00:15:06)
25. Farm Boy's Impact on Reducing Stigma (00:15:47)
26. Success Stories from Farm Boy (00:17:12)
27. Challenges of Relying on Government Programs (00:18:19)
28. How Local Businesses Can Help (00:20:17)
29. Volunteering and Board Participation (00:23:09)
30. Farm Boy's Company Culture (00:24:01)
31. Logistics of Organizing Food Drives (00:26:31)
32. Encouraging Businesses to Get Involved (00:27:55)
33. Final Thoughts from Stephanie and Aaron (00:29:24)
34. Call to Action for Individuals and Businesses (00:30:15)
35. Closing Remarks and Thank You (00:30:28)
27 episodes
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