Announcing the 2026 Food System Champions
The Middlesex London Food Policy Council (MLFPC) is proud to introduce the 2026 Food System Champions.
The Food System Champions initiative highlights the breadth and diversity of our local food system by recognizing those whose work is making a meaningful contribution within our Middlesex and London communities. Together, this year’s Champions represent a wide range of experiences, sectors, and perspectives, demonstrating the many ways individuals and organizations help shape a vibrant and resilient food system.
Meet the 2026 Food System Champions
- AfroBiome Foods Incorporated
- Allukra –Ukrainian Pierogies
- Colton Hart
- Elder Mary Lou Smoke
- Jing Jing NurtriFood
- JP II S.S. Hospitality Program
- Kris Mendola – Urban Roots London
- Kyle Albert – Nimkee Healing Centre
- Old River Farm
- On^sta’ú:we Garden (based at the Oneida Longhouse)
- River Rush
- Shawn Dockstader
- The Crump Family Farm
- Queer Food Bank
About the Food System Champions Initiative
Since 2018, the Food System Champions initiative has recognized individuals and organizations whose leadership, commitment, and contributions have helped strengthen the food system across Middlesex County and London. Each year, the initiative celebrates the many ways people support our local food system—from food production and hospitality to community leadership, education, hospitality, food access, and knowledge sharing.
By celebrating these contributions, the initiative helps highlight the many people, partnerships, and projects that support our local food system and inspire continued collaboration throughout the region.
Every Champion has a unique story. Their work reflects different approaches, experiences, and areas of expertise, but together they demonstrate the many ways people contribute to a thriving local food system.
Follow the 2026 Champion Series
Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing the stories of each 2026 Food System Champion through our website and social media channels. These profiles will highlight each Champion’s contributions, the impact of their work, and the role they play within our local food system.
We invite you to follow along as we celebrate this year’s Champions and learn more about the diverse individuals and organizations helping shape the food system across Middlesex County and London.
Congratulations to the 2026 Food System Champions, and thank you for the knowledge, leadership, and dedication you bring to our community.
2025 Food System Champions
Congratulations to the Food Champions of 2025. The Middlesex London Food Policy Council (MLFPC) recognizes individuals, groups, or organizations helping to build a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable food system in our region.We are thrilled to introduce this year’s Food Champions: 29 incredible individuals and organizations who are making meaningful contributions to our local food system.
- Amy Ford from Nourish and Urban Roots London
- Artisan Bakery
- Chantel Crockett
- La Burreria
- London Food Coalition
- Chandany Chen from London Training Centre
- Kim Sutherland from Ronald McDonald House Charities Southwestern Ontario
- Crispin Colvin
- Doruntina Uka Hutton House and The PATCH
- Forest City Microgreens
- Gabor Sass and The Edible Neighbourhood (Kensington Village Association)
- Growing Chefs! Ontario
- Arva Flour Mills
- IVANOPOBLANO
- Just Keep Growing
- Mulberry Moon Farm
- Nuts For Cheese
- Old North Public School
- Proof Line Farm
- Dr. Peggy O’Neil from Western Health Sciences
- Rachael Bem Sai from Northwest London Resource Centre
- TGs Addis Ababa Restaurant
- The ORCHARD Program/The PATCH
- Blackfriars Bistro & Catering
- London Training Centre
- Adelaide Farms
- Courtney Joris from Glencoe Library (Middlesex County Library)
- Leigh Robinson from Lucan Library (Middlesex County Library)
- Moazzez Confectionary
- New Moon Community Homestead
2025 Gift Basket Donors
We would like to thank the following generous organizations for donating to our Food Champion Gift Baskets!
- Arva Flour Mill
- Cruncian Orchards
- Growing Chefs! Ontario
- Nuts for Cheese
- Peacasa Snacks
- Slegers Living Organic Greens
- Small World Mycology
- The Bag Lady
- Clock Tower Bistro
- 100 Kellogg Lane
- Urban Roots
2024 Food System Champions
The Middlesex London community honours these organizations and individuals for their remarkable contributions to the local food system, recognizing them as leaders and catalysts for change. Congratulations to the 2024 Food Champions!
Read Their Stories:
- Andy Coughlin from New Leaf Food Truck
- Ben Wilcox from Urban Roots London
- Chris Devries from Common Ground Farm
- Colin Everitt and Alexandra Everitt from The Lunchbox London
- Ellen Lakusiak
- Frisa Farms
- Ironwood Kitchen & Bar
- Jay Caldwell from Friendly Fare Specialty Food Services
- Jessica Wiles-Drake and Samara Kianfar from London InterCommunity Health Centre
- Jo and Pauline Slegers from Slegers Greens
- Katherine Hogendoorn
- Lella Blumer
- Meals on Wheels London
- Mystery Furtado from Type Diabeat-It
- Richard Bloomfield from Urban Roots London
- The Schoonders Plot
Our 2024 Gift Basket Donors
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our kind donors for providing wonderful local treats for our Food System Champion gift baskets! A big thank you to:
- Anderson Craft Ales: Located in the heart of London, Ontario, they’re dedicated to crafting quality beer using only the finest locally sourced ingredients.
- Arva Flour Mill: They produce a truly artisan flour that can’t be replicated by modern mills.
- Edgar and Joe’s Cafe: A cafe with a purpose, they make fresh, local food accessible and affordable, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
- Egg Farmers of Ontario: They represent over 500 egg farmers and pullet growers from across Ontario who account for about 40% of egg production in Canada.
- Jill’s Table: Provides specialty food items, kitchenware, gifts, and more for home cooks and professional chefs while supporting local artisans.
- Nuts for Cheese: They create 100% dairy-free & vegan cheese for cheese lovers everywhere.
- Peacasa Chips: Locally made chickpea chips that are healthier and better for the planet.
- The Tea Haus: Located in the Covent Garden Market in London, Ontario, this premium loose leaf tea merchant offers over 200 varieties of tea.
2023 Food System Champions
Congratulations to the Food Champions of 2023! These organizations and individuals have made a positive impact in the local food system, and have been recognized by the London-Middlesex community as leaders and change-makers.
Read Their Stories:
- ATN Access Inc.
- Dan Lizmore from the Western Fair District
- EatOA! & Anderson Craft Ales
- lIana Guslits with Growing Chefs Ontario
- John and Evelyn Papadakos
- Keisha Joseph
- LIFE*SPIN – The Community Food Box Project
- Middlesex Centre Pollinator Team
- Northwest London Resource Centre
- On The Move Organics – The Community Food Box Project
- Quarter Master Natural Foods
- Rick Ford & the Kitchen Team at Ark Aid Street Mission
- Riley Ranch on Three Fires
- The London Food Co-op
- Yvonne and Chris Papadakos
Our 2023 Gift Basket Donors
We would like to thank our generous donors for donating some local goodies to our Food System Champion gift baskets!
Food System Champions 2023 Booth
We had a blast at our summer booth at the Covent Garden Market while talking with community members about what we do and celebrating our Food System Champions. It was great seeing the Food System Champions who stopped by to say hello! Our winners for our gift basket draw were ATN Access INC., EatOA! & Anderson Craft Ales, and John and Evelyn Papadakos. Congratulations!
2021 Food System Champions
Nadine Castonguay, the Garden Executive for the EnviroWestern Community Garden located at Western University.
Jocelyn Zurbrigg, Registered Dietitian, who supported SOAHAC and other Indigenous communities to tackle food insecurity during the pandemic.
Food Services at St. Josephs London (Nourish Team) whose goal is to redirect their safe surpluses to community needs, and to compost the rest.
