Executive Committee
Keisha Joseph - Chair
Keisha discovered her passion for community nutrition and policy while completing her degree in Nutrition and Dietetics at Brescia University. Keisha has always looked to use her knowledge to help those less fortunate and build community. This brought her to her current role as a Food Program Coordinator at Indwell where she works to build the food security of those experiencing homelessness, mental illnesses, and disabilities. Keisha is excited to be a part of a group of like-minded people who believe in advocacy and policy as a way to tackle food insecurity and positively impact our food system.
Andrew Fleet - Vice Chair
Andrew Fleet is an avid local food enthusiast. He is the co-founder and Executive Director of Growing Chefs! Ontario, a London based charity with a mission to change the way people learn about and develop healthy relationships with food. Andrew has designed, implemented and overseen food education programs that have served over 60,000 children and families across London and surrounding areas since 2008. Andrew is an advocate for the advancement in Food Literacy as an area of focus for the Provincial Ministries of Education, Health and Agriculture. Most recently, through his work with the Ontario Edible Education Network Andrew consulted with the Ontario Ministry of Education on its new Grades 1–9 Science curriculum, specifically around Learning Outcomes related to Food Literacy and Food Systems. Growing Chefs! has also created training resources for teachers that are being distributed across the Province as part of this new curriculum. Andrew also sits on both the National and Ontario Coalitions for Healthy School Food. Prior to establishing Growing Chefs! Ontario, Andrew worked in the food service industry for over 15 years as a manager, cook, server and bartender at several national award-winning restaurants in London and Vancouver.
Janan Dean - Past Chair
A city girl through and through, Janan never imagined she would marry a dairy farmer and move to the country to start a family and an agricultural business. A former social worker, Janan is passionate about addressing inequities in the food system, facilitating meaningful connections between urban and rural communities, and taking steps towards reconciliation. She is now working with her husband and brother-in-law to incorporate more sustainable, regenerative, and holistic practices on the farm and in 2023, they will be opening the Proof Line Farm Creamery & Farm Store five minutes north of London. She is proud to be a part of the MLFPC, a unique and diverse group of people from across the local food system.
Eunice Yidana - Secretary
Eunice Yidana is a food system enthusiast. She is the founder and CEO of EUNY BESPOKE MEDIA, a marketing, communications, and media company that supports businesses and non-profit organizations in succeeding in their marketing efforts. Eunice has an undergraduate degree in (Honours) International Development Studies from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She also has a Master of Media degree in Journalism and Communication from Western University in London, Ontario. Eunice hopes to leverage her proven knowledge and understanding of the intersecting concepts of food and development through marketing, communications, and media to increase awareness, address food system challenges, and promote sustainable food systems.
Vrutika Patel - Treasurer
Vrutika is an HR Program Coordinator with over eight years of experience in operations, customer service, and business development. At TD Bank, she manages enterprise learning programs and support training initiatives that help individuals grow and thrive in their roles. She is passionate about building people-centered systems, mentoring others, and solving problems with care and efficiency. Outside of work, she is actively engaged in volunteer initiatives that align with her values—community, equity, and sustainability. Whether it’s supporting children’s literacy through Start2Finish, planting trees with TD Tree Days, or helping at local fundraising events, she believes that small, intentional actions can lead to lasting change. Vrutika is driven by a deep belief in collaboration and in empowering others to be part of meaningful, community-led progress.
Council Members
Laura Bos
Laura Bos is a Community Development Coordinator for London-Middlesex, Elgin and Oxford with the VON’s Ontario Student Nutrition Program. She has worked in nutrition for over 20 years implementing and creating programs to help support adults and seniors to maintain their independence through educational, social and physical supports. In her current role, she now supports schools and advocates for food access for students to ensure they are well nourished and ready to learn. She attended both Fanshawe College and Huron University College with a major in History. She was born and raised in Middlesex county and lives there with her husband and 2 young children.
Maya Clarke
Maya is a retired culinary professional who has been active in the local food movement since moving to London in 1992. Her professional background includes a variety of experience within culinary, food action, urban agriculture, community, and development settings. Originally from Vancouver, Maya worked for years with a Canadian NGO on international co-operation projects involving soy foods utilization in Sri Lanka, Guatemala, and throughout the Caribbean. With degrees in Anthropology and Globalization Studies from Western, and a certificate in Food Security from Toronto Metropolitan University, Maya brings an interdisciplinary perspective to local food issues. Being passionate about lifelong learning and volunteerism Maya is excited to be part of the MLFPC.
Sarah Finch
Sarah Finch is the Communications and Community Projects Manager with Investing in Children, a London-based charity whose goal is to help all children, youth, and families to learn, grow, and thrive. Investing in Children places a high priority on nutrition and offers several nutrition programs. Sarah is responsible for Investing in Children's social media content, designing and maintaining their website, designing and creating all organizational promotional printed, and digital materials. Sarah is also the project manager of several programs including Kids 1st Day, Blue Books for Books, Book Camp London, and Kids Power Conference. Sarah believes it is important for everyone to have access to nutritious foods. Prior to Investing in Children, Sarah spent almost 17 years working for Ontario Farmer Publications, most recently as an editor. As well as the weekly Ontario Farmer newspaper, Sarah was involved in the creation of their specific industry publications for dairy, beef, hog, and crop farmers.
Katherine Hogendorn
Katherine is a community development coordinator for the Ontario Student Nutrition Program. She earned her Master’s degree in Human Health and Nutrition Science at the University of Guelph where she investigated health and lifestyle behaviours in the emerging adult population. Katherine now is a mom of 2 young children and her passions have been brought back to the kitchen demonstrating first-hand the importance of quality foods. Katherine has worked in clinical and academic nutrition settings always with the goal to educate and empower people to feel confident with their food choices.
Dianne McComb
Mother of her son and two daughters plus one grandchild has opened her eyes to endless possibilities. The journey of life had Diane growing up on a farm near Lucan, Ontario where her family finished beef cattle, grew crops, and cared for laying hens. The beef cattle were later dropped in favour of laying hens. Diane was educated at Fanshawe College and worked for 12 years as a law clerk in both Ottawa and London. After her children were born, she returned to help on the family farm. In 2010, Diane and her brother purchased the farm from their parents. The farm continues with a new generation. Home and School, School Council, Ontario Federation of Agriculture and Farm & Food Care Ontario were groups she was active in as a member and chair. Diane was the elected Director of Egg Farmers of Ontario board for eight years as the representative for Middlesex. While on the board, she chaired Public Affairs, and was also a member of Finance and Production Management Committees.
Jose Medina
Jose is the Sr. Director of Quality for Dessert Holding, with facilities in Atlanta, Houston, Vancouver, and London. Dessert Holding is North America’s premium dessert company, recognized for providing customers with chef-inspired innovative desserts made with real ingredients, a flexible and low-cost supply chain, and best-in-class service. Jose has worked in the food industry for over 25 years in different departments (QA, Maintenance, Production, Continuous Improvement). Prior to coming to Canada, Jose worked for Adams in the confectionary division. He has a food science degree, a Master’s in Science in Manufacturing from the University of Liverpool in England, and an MBA from Universidad de las Americas in Puebla Mexico. Jose has a passion for family, sports, food, and working for and with society to help the community.
Megan Papadakos
I am honoured to be involved in the non-profit, social services sector of London offering my skills for the betterment of our communities and future growth and development as a city. I am a mother of two young children and appreciate the important of nutrition and connection to our earth for our physical health, mental well-being and environmental sustainability. Personally, I am an avid home gardener, who has also had the opportunity to teach gardening skills, food sustainability, and eco-therapy benefits through my professional endeavours with various non-profits in the city.
Matt Rice
Matt is a professional chef that has spent the majority of his career working in London. He graduated from Fanshawe College's Culinary Management program and after spending time at various restaurants in the city and a little bit of travel, he found himself teaching into the culinary program at Fanshawe College. Matt found himself caught between his two major passions- the restaurant and catering world and delivering wonderfully prepared, sustainable local ingredients to the community and education based around food literacy. After 15 years of splitting his time between restaurants and education, he found a home that allows him to drive forward in both. He has been working at Growing Chefs! as the lead education chef for the past year and is extremely proud to be on the frontlines of bringing food literacy and education to youth and the greater community as well as being given an opportunity to take part in a varied scale of events to continue to help grow the charity. Matt hopes to continue to strengthen the local food system through networking, accessibility and education.
Michelle Smibert
Michelle has been active in local government administration for over 30 years and has worked for the City of London, City of Stratford, Middlesex Centre, Thames Centre and Tillsonburg. She is a past president of AMCTO (Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario) and is currently involved in delivering presentations for the Association. She received her Masters of Public Administration at Western University and was involved in the annual Local Government Alumni Conference planning committee. Michelle is now the Deputy Mayor of Thames Centre and sits on County Council for Middlesex County and is on the executive board for OSUM (Ontario Small Urban Municipalities). Michelle enjoys curling and golfing.
Susan Smith
Susan has a long-standing expertise in nutrition. She graduated from UWO, Brescia University College in 1995 and has been a clinical dietitian at the London Health Science Center for almost 25 years. She has a keen interest in sustainable food systems that create a harmonious urban-rural relationship with a focus on community health and a minimal carbon footprint.
Hadleigh McAlister
Councillor Hadleigh McAlister serves as a member of the Political Advisory Committee of the Middlesex London Food Policy Council (MLFPC), where he provides strategic guidance and advocacy for a sustainable, resilient, and economically viable food system in London and Middlesex County. As a City Councillor for Ward 1, he brings a valuable municipal perspective to the Council, helping to bridge the gap between policy and community needs. Councillor McAlister supports initiatives that strengthen local food systems, reduce food insecurity, and promote environmental sustainability, ensuring that food policy remains a key priority in local decision-making.
Resource Members
Ashley Patterson - City of London, Staff
Ashley is a Community Engagement and Policy Specialist in the Community Initiatives and Plans division within Neighbourhood and Community-Wide Services at the City of London. She holds a master's degree in Social Work from King’s University College and is deeply committed to supporting the Age Friendly London Network (AFLN), the Child & Youth Network (CYN), and the Community Safety & Well-Being Plan. Ashley provides backbone support to various community partners through the AFLN and CYN, particularly in initiatives related to food security.
Demetri Makrakos - Middlesex County, Staff
Demetri Makrakos works as an Economic Development Officer for Middlesex County. Following his studies in the field of Kinesiology at the University of Western Ontario, Demetri completed a Masters of Economic Development and Innovation at the University of Waterloo in 2017. Since completing his Masters, Demetri worked briefly in the private sector on sustainable development projects, later transitioning to economic development roles for local government at the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc as well as the Township of North Huron. Born and raised in urban London, Ontario, Demetri has primarily been exposed to the agricultural industry through his 6 years as an economic development officer for rural municipalities. Demetri has always been fascinated by the interactions between food, nutrition and exercise for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and has recently become more intentional in sourcing foods from local farmers. Demetri is excited to contribute to policy discussions through the MLFPC related to local food security and sustainabilit
Non-Voting Members
Ginette Blake - Coordinator
Ginette Blake is a Registered Dietitian (RD) at the Middlesex London Health Unit (MLHU) where her portfolio includes reproductive and infant nutrition, food literacy, and food systems (starting January 2025). Ginette is passionate about exploring how just and equitable food systems connect us with our community and protect the environment. Her role as MLFPC RD Coordinator is to act as a consistent point of contact for MLFPC members and action groups to facilitate collaboration and dialogue. Her hope is to contribute to a more sustainable and integrated local food system by connecting food system evidence with key food system stakeholders.
Jane Roy - Trustee
Jane has been working for the London Food Bank for over 30 years. She currently works as Co-Executive Director. Jane has been involved in many food, hunger, poverty, and social action committees including the Mayor’s Anti-Poverty Action Group and as Chairperson of the Ontario Association of Food Banks. She has presented briefs on hunger and poverty to all levels of government and speaks to many local groups about involving citizens in community action. Jane is a long time London resident, is married with three children and is also well known for her work in overseas development.
Kathy MacKay - Food Systems Facilitator
Kathy MacKay, RD, MSc, is a volunteer with the Middlesex London Food Policy Council. Growing up on a dairy farm, she developed a deep appreciation for agriculture and the food system, inspired by her father's passion for farming. Kathy is a registered dietitian with experience in healthcare and academia. She was a Dietetic Education Coordinator at Brescia University College, supporting graduate dietetic practicum programs and the students within them. At London Health Sciences Centre, she worked as a clinical dietitian, contributing to patient care in areas including surgical care, pediatric eating disorders, and mental health. In addition to her dietetics background, Kathy is pursuing a Graphic Design Certificate from OCAD University. With her blend of expertise in nutrition, healthcare, and design, along with her passion for the local food system, she is excited to contribute to advancing food system change and supporting community health and wellness.
Volunteers
Lina Acosta
Communication Volunteer: Lina is a professional in International Business with a postgraduate degree in Marketing Management. Her professional experience is centered on developing content strategies for social media, where she has successfully increased brand engagement and visibility through competitor analysis and market research to optimize marketing strategies. Lina has designed comprehensive brand kits, ensuring visual consistency and a unified tone across all communication channels. She is highly motivated to share messages that promote responsible, inclusive, and environmentally respectful food practices. Lina believes in the importance of raising awareness and communicating messages that inspire positive change in the way food is understood and consumed, striving to make systems more efficient, inclusive, and environmentally conscious. Her goal is to support the mission of the MLFPC by promoting a more sustainable food system. She is eager to leverage her marketing skills to expand the Council's message and increase awareness of its initiatives.
Amy Bumbacco
Communications Volunteer: Amy is a Communications and Marketing Specialist with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authroity. She has a demonstrated history in the social service and environmental sectors having provided executive leadership to J. Steckle Heritage Homestead, managed the Thunder Bay and Area Food Strategy, built the experiential education curriculum at Ignatius Farm, and provided field management at Fertile Ground CSA Farm. Following her master's degree in Environmental Studies, Amy completed a post-graduate diploma in Social Media Marketing and was most recently the Communications and PR Coordinator with Mission Services of London. She finds great excitement in internet marketing, believing in the power of effective communication to inspire, educate, and build community. Amy is most interested in contributing to the MLFPC to utilize her digital marketing skillset and knowledge of sustainable food systems to help foster a healthy and resilient community.
Donna Currie
Donna Currie supports photography for the Middlesex London Food Policy Council, bringing her passion for capturing the world through her lens. She has a keen eye for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, transforming everyday moments into impactful visuals. Donna values working alongside the engaged and dedicated members of the Council, contributing to its mission of promoting a sustainable and equitable food system through her creative talents.
Joud Ibraheem
Joud Ibraheem is an undergraduate Dietetics student at Western University’s School of Food and Nutritional Sciences (formerly Brescia University College). She is passionate about food insecurity and nutrition policy, and is motivated to advance her knowledge of eating behaviours and gastrointestinal health. Inspired by an Agriculture and Food Systems course, Joud has developed a deeper appreciation for Canada’s agricultural sector, and is eager to help bridge the communication gap between consumers and farmers. As a volunteer with the MLFPC, she is excited to combine her interests in nutrition, psychology, and digital communications to enhance food, nutrition, and agricultural literacy within the Middlesex-London community, and increase awareness of the socio-political issues shaping our food system.
Ellen Lakusiak
Communications Volunteer: Ellen Lakusiak is an active supporter of the Middlesex London Food Policy Council (MLFPC) as a volunteer with the Communications Committee. Formerly the RD Coordinator for the Council, Ellen was instrumental in fostering collaboration and engaging partners across Middlesex and London to create a healthier, more sustainable local food system. With a diverse career in public health, Ellen has worked as a Public Health Dietitian at the Lambton Health Unit and Ottawa Public Health, focusing on prenatal and early childhood nutrition. Her extensive experience also includes roles with Health Canada, the National Institute of Nutrition, and the private sector. Recognized as a 2024 Food System Champion, Ellen’s work reflects her passion for food systems and her dedication to amplifying diverse voices. Her leadership, humility, and commitment continue to inspire progress toward a more equitable and sustainable local food future.
Joyce Kagiri
Joyce is a business development and management professional and an entrepreneur. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management, a certificate in cookery and is currently pursuing a post graduate certificate in Digital Communication Management. Joyce is passionate about food systems and agribusiness. Growing up in rural Kenya, she experienced small scale farming and its impact in food security. She hopes to contribute to the local food scene and support sustainable practices. Her business acumen and modern communication strategies will allow her to drive impactful initiatives in the food and agribusiness sector.
Matthew Kang
Matthew is a communications and marketing professional with expertise in public relations, digital outreach and event planning. After graduating from the University of Waterloo, Matthew obtained a post-degree diploma in Public Relations and certificate in Digital Communications from Western University. He leverages prior nonprofit experience to organize community events, craft inclusive messaging, and promote local food initiatives at MLFPC.
Sudeep Pathak
Sudeep Pathak is a food systems professional and Professor at Fanshawe College with extensive experience in food security, sustainable agriculture and food systems, food processing, and food product development. He also serves as Head of Quality Control, Sustainability, and Product Development at Jing Jing Nutrifood in London, ON, where he has enhanced food safety, led sustainability projects, and supported innovative product development. He has completed an MBA in Operations and Quality Management, a Master of Science in Sustainable Food and Environment Science, a Postgraduate Certificate in Food Processing – Operational Leadership, and a Postgraduate Certification in Project Management. Sudeep has published more than 12 research papers on food safety and sustainable agriculture and is the recipient of multiple awards, including the Environmental Stewardship Award (Fleming College), Distinguished Student Award (Fanshawe College), Emerging Researcher Award, and Young Achiever Award. Internationally, Sudeep has represented youth voices at platforms such as the World Youth Summit 2019 in New Delhi and the SAARC Youth Parliament 2020–21, focusing on SDG 2: Zero Hunger. Sudeep believes food has the power to transform lives and communities. His passion is ensuring everyone has access to safe, sustainable, and nourishing food—values that align closely with the Middlesex London Food Policy Council.
Alyssa Rush
Communications Volunteer: Alyssa is a PhD student at Queen’s University, currently residing in London, Ontario. Her research interests lie within the themes of agroecology, feminist studies, sustainable agriculture and local food systems. She is passionate about research, writing, and communicating issues related to local food systems and sustainability. She strongly believes in the power of community and the importance of equity and social justice. She looks forward to learning more about local food security in London and supporting the MLFPC as a volunteer on the Communications Team.
Emily Rensulat
Communications Volunteer: Emily Rensulat is a marketing professional with a strong foundation in leadership, creative design, and strategic planning. With experience in team management, marketing strategy development, and graphic design, she excels at transforming visions into impactful results. Originally from Cebu, Philippines, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, majoring in Marketing, and further honed her expertise with a Marketing Management certificate from Fanshawe College. Beyond her professional career, Emily has a deep love for volunteering, which fuels her desire to share and expand her knowledge in marketing while giving back to the community. She is also passionate about food and nutrition, enjoying cooking as both a creative outlet and a means to promote healthy living while connecting with others. She hopes to support MLFPC mission by advocating for sustainable food systems, community engagement, and policies that promote food security and nutrition. With a balance of innovation, adaptability, and expertise in graphic design and marketing, she is committed to making a meaningful impact and driving positive change.
Juanqi (Irena) Wang
Juanqi (Irena) Wang is a student at Western University, pursuing a double degree in Nutrition & Dietetics and Sociology. With a strong passion for public health, she is dedicated to promoting equity and sustainability within food systems. Irena hopes to combine her knowledge of nutrition and social systems to create meaningful, sustainable solutions that improve community well-being and food equity.
Siobhan Watters
Siobhan brings a background in university teaching, research, technical communication, and union organizing to the communications committee. A returning volunteer, Siobhan recently completed her PhD in Communication at Simon Fraser University ('24). Her research and writing proposes new ways of understanding food technologies as media and food systems, as communication networks. She has published on varied food-related topics, such as the 2013 EU horsemeat scandal, food distribution in times of disaster, food in literature (from The Odyssey to Frankenstein), and is currently researching the future of food technologies in space. As a communications volunteer, Siobhan's goal is to apply her knowledge and skills in service of the community, as well as, apply what she learns within community spaces to her personal research.
Matthew Moolecherry
Matthew is a fourth-year Health Sciences student at Western University with a strong interest in policy research, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. He is passionate about exploring how local policies can address food insecurity and promote equitable access to healthy food options. As a volunteer with the MLFPC Communications Team, Matthew is excited to gain practical experience in health policy, learning how policies are developed and implemented to tackle food insecurity and other public health challenges.
Aida Zhang
Communications Volunteer: Aida holds a Marketing Management Graduate Certificate from Fanshawe College with extensive experience in education and a strong passion for food systems and community well-being. As a mother of a 7-year-old child, she brings a unique perspective on food safety and nutrition. Her background combines professional marketing expertise with cross-cultural insights, particularly in understanding diverse community needs. Aida is passionate about leveraging her marketing skills to raise awareness about food system and building a healthier community culture. Drawing from her Chinese cultural background, where food is deeply intertwined with social well-being, she looks forward to contributing her multicultural perspective to enhance community engagement and food literacy initiatives.
Jean Carson - Volunteer
Prior to retiring in 2018, Jean's employment had provided her experience within her roles in manufacturing and marketing with Maple Leaf Foods (Thamesford) and Cadillac Fairview Corporation (Masonville Place). She enjoyed being their “face” in Oxford, Middlesex, and London with respect to community involvement. She had the opportunity to work with the London Community Foundation developing philanthropy goals which target food security. She encourages everyone to check out the Maple Leaf Community Fund on the London Community Foundation website! The Middlesex London Food Policy shares the responsibility of selecting successful applicants to this fund with Oxford Community Foundation. Currently, her retired status allows her more time to enjoy her family (including five adorable grandchildren), extended stays at her cottage in Northern Ontario, trips to British Columbia to visit family, and the availability to continue supporting Middlesex London Food Policy Council as a volunteer on the Governance and Grants Committees.
