River Rush: Connecting Research and Community for Food System Change
Written by Hannah Van De Peer & Edited by Kathy MacKay
River Rush is a PhD student in Global Development Studies at Queen’s University, living in London, Ontario. Their research explores labour issues on ecological farms in Ontario through a labour studies and political ecology approach. For River, creating a better food system starts with understanding the connections between people, the land, and the systems that shape our everyday lives.
Over the past year, River has worked with the Middlesex-London Food Policy Council (MLFPC) as a Food Policy and Alliance Assistant through an ECO Canada grant. Speaking on behalf of MLFPC, we are so grateful for River’s many contributions, including supporting the development of the Regional Food Systems Alliance and helping guide the process of developing an updated Food Charter for London-Middlesex.
River is also a former board member of Urban Roots London, where they contributed to the organization’s growth, community work, and strategic planning. Across their work, River brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach and a commitment to bringing people together.
“I am working both in academia and within my community towards the creation of a just, equitable, and sustainable food system.” ~ River Rush
Understanding Our Food System
River is interested in the connections between sustainability, ecology, food sovereignty, and justice. In their work with MLFPC, River brings this perspective to local food system challenges, connecting research with community experiences. Their academic background helps inform local conversations and initiatives, while their community work keeps them connected to the issues facing people across London and Middlesex.
A commitment to justice runs through River’s work. They are particularly interested in the experiences and rights of farm workers and in recognizing the people whose labour makes our food system possible. For River, building a sustainable food system also means considering whether workers are treated fairly and have a voice.
River’s interest in food systems extends beyond Ontario. Through travel and other experiences, they have explored different relationships with food, land, and community, helping shape their understanding of food sovereignty and sustainability.
Helping the Community Identify a Food System Vision
River has also helped shape MLFPC’s approach to developing an updated Food Charter for London-Middlesex. They helped us recognize the importance of building the Charter around the community’s vision for its food system. This understanding has helped guide plans for significant community consultation taking place this fall, ensuring that the Charter reflects the voices and priorities of the people it is meant to serve.
Supporting a Regional Food Systems Alliance
River has played an important role in getting a new Regional Food Systems Alliance going, taking the lead in organizing and facilitating meetings. The Alliance now includes two active advisory groups: 1) Local Food Economy and 2) Agriculture. There is also a backbone group that supports the work. Together, these groups are creating opportunities for organizations across the region to explore shared challenges and possibilities, from local food procurement and connections between growers and institutions to the potential for a regional food hub.
Moving Food Systems Work Forward
Much of River’s contribution happens behind the scenes, through research, planning, and bringing people together. This summer, for example, River reviewed food charters from across Ontario to explore their purpose and how other municipalities have approached the process.
Kathy MacKay, MLFPC Food System Facilitator had this to say about River: “as a colleague, River is caring, dedicated, and genuinely passionate about their work. Their commitment to creating a more just and sustainable food system is clear, and it’s a pleasure to work alongside someone who cares so deeply about the people and communities behind that work. Our daily check-in meetings are even better when River’s adorable puppy, Roo, joins us.” Through their research, collaboration, and community involvement, River is helping turn a shared vision for a better food system into meaningful action across London and Middlesex.