Three scholarships will support research into urban food insecurity, an assessment of northern growing systems, and the impact of B.C. farm markets on advancing food security  

MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 8, 2020 /CNW/ - (TSX: MFI) Maple Leaf Foods and the Maple Leaf Centre for Action on Food Security ("the Centre") today announced the recipients of the 2020/21 Scholarships in Food Insecurity.

Master's candidate Michelle Aktary, University of Calgary; Doctoral candidate Lindsey Vold, University of Saskatchewan; and Doctoral candidate Bochu Liu, University of Toronto, will each receive a $15,000 scholarship to support their research. Liu will examine time, transportation, and geographic constraints on food access in urban environments; Vold will assess the impact of community food programs in northern communities; and Aktary will examine the effect of a B.C. farmer's market coupons on food security among community members.

These scholarships recognize the extraordinary contribution of David Emerson, Purdy Crawford and Wallace McCain as past Chairs of the Maple Leaf Foods Board of Directors. For the next three years, three scholarships will be awarded annually to master's or doctoral students who are pursuing research that contributes to the body of knowledge on food insecurity in Canada. Candidates are selected based on their academic preparedness, contribution of research findings and quality of the submission, including feasibility and methodological rigor.

"These scholarships will support highly talented students and broaden understanding of food insecurity and the impact of interventions to advance sustainable food security," said Michael H McCain, President and CEO, Maple Leaf Foods and Honourary Chair of the Maple Leaf Centre for Action on Food Security. "They were awarded after a rigorous review by the Centre's independent directors and will honour the leadership and enduring impact of Maple Leaf's past Chairs. We are delighted by the caliber of the submissions and looking forward to learning and sharing the insights that will come from these research projects."  

The Centre's goal is to work collaboratively across sectors to reduce food insecurity in Canada by 50% by 2030. This includes supporting research that contributes to our understanding of barriers and interventions to achieve sustainable food security. For more information about the scholarship process, visit the Maple Leaf Centre for Action on Food Security.

About the Maple Leaf Centre for Action on Food Security

The Maple Leaf Centre for Action on Food Security (the Centre) is a registered charity committed to working collaboratively to reduce food insecurity in Canada by 50% by 2030. The Centre advocates for critical public policies and invests in knowledge building and food-based programs that advance the capacity of people and communities to achieve sustainable food security. The Centre was created in 2016 and is governed by a board of directors, including four independent experts.  

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SOURCE The Maple Leaf Centre For Action On Food Security

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