Written by Aida Zhang and edited by Matthew Kang
At the heart of London-Middlesex’s local food movement is Amy Ford, a true Food Champion whose passion and expertise are driving our region toward a more sustainable and equitable food future.
As Director of Planetary Health at Nourish, a national non-profit transforming food in healthcare, Amy brings intention and energy to every project. Her work focuses on aligning values, removing roadblocks, and helping mission-driven groups take bold steps toward improved planetary health. With over a decade of leadership in sustainable inpatient food services, she understands what it takes for teams to achieve meaningful change — from local procurement and waste reduction to culturally mindful, low-carbon menus.
Graduating from Western University with a degree in Food and Nutritional Science and holding an MBA, Amy has spent her career at the intersection of food and health. She believes food is far more than a basic need – it’s a powerful force that connects communities, preserves culture, and protects the environment. With strong foundations in both nutrition and strategic leadership, Amy is deeply committed to improving the health of both the planet and its people.
Amy supports local and national healthcare organizations by developing practical tools that promote greener food procurement and systemic change. With a deep understanding of the complexities of local food systems, she excels at building bridges and uniting diverse groups to create healthier, more resilient food networks.
Amy also contributes her expertise to several key committees, including the Environmental Action and Stewardship Committee, the PEACH Healthy Food Committee, and the EAT-Lancet Health Professionals Community. As Chair of the Board of Urban Roots,she champions urban agriculture, and her experience as co-chair of Ark Aid reflects her deep commitment to addressing food insecurity in London.
Beyond formal leadership, Amy mentors graduate students, advises on food security projects, and works with networks from the local to the international level. Her spirit of collaboration and systems thinking drives real, lasting impact.
In her personal life, Amy demonstrates her values by prioritizing local food and involving her children in gardening and food initiatives, planting seeds of hope for the next generation. She enjoys writing, volunteering, and advocating for environmental and social justice, and she values teamwork and bold, collective dreams.
In her own words:
“I’m always excited to highlight the power of food for communities, culture & climate action, and the special role public institutions have to be anchors in food systems transformation!”
Amy’s story reminds us that every choice to support local, sustainable food is a step toward a healthier and more vibrant food future for London-Middlesex. Let’s keep growing this vision together.
