Bridging food security and food safety on Ontario campuses
Exploring how food security initiatives can be strengthened through food safety education and waste reduction practices
Ken Diplock, School of Business
About the project
This research examined food security programs at post-secondary institutions across Ontario to better understand how food access, food safety, and food waste reduction can work together to support student well-being.
The challenge
Many food security initiatives focus on increasing access to food but may not include information about safe food handling and storage. The project sought to identify opportunities to integrate food safety practices into existing programs while supporting efforts to reduce food waste.
Approach
- Reviewed food security initiatives at post-secondary institutions across Ontario
- Identified common and emerging approaches to improving food access
- Evaluated programs through a food safety and waste reduction lens
- Assessed opportunities to incorporate food safety education into existing initiatives
- Developed resources and recommendations to support safer food practices
Results
- Identified a range of food security initiatives, including food banks, meal-sharing programs, community gardens, cooking programs, and food scholarships
- Highlighted opportunities to strengthen food safety education within existing programs
- Developed food safety resources, including infographics and educational materials
- Created recommendations to support safer food handling and reduced food waste
- Provided guidance for integrating food safety practices into student-focused programming
Why it matters
This project demonstrates how food security, food safety, and sustainability can be addressed together to better support students. The findings help:
- Strengthen campus food security initiatives
- Promote safe food handling practices
- Reduce unnecessary food waste
- Support student education and awareness
- Inform future food access and well-being programs