Please join us for a discussion on food security entitled: Nourishing Communities: Building Food Security in the Capital Region.

Food access, quality and affordability are pressing concerns for most today.  This event will foster networking to help enhance learning, connections and inspiration. It will support people coming together to take “stock” of what is happening to advance food security in our region. We will find ways to collaborate and explore new initiatives.

Please note, Part 1 will be held in person and live streamed (Wilmot United Church – YouTube). Please see the list of presenters below. Part 2 will be held in person and virtually in various communities in our region (details to follow). You are encouraged to attend either or both events.  Translation services will be provided. Everyone is welcome! We appreciate you sharing this invitation with others who may be interested in attending.

We hope to see you there!

Panel Presenters

Jill Van Horne is the Director of Food For All NB, where she has been engaged in food systems and food security work since 2017. Her experience spans national and provincial food and school food action, Atlantic regional food systems collaboration, and food and climate-related initiatives. From hands-on community gardening to collaborating with policymakers, she works to ensure that food issues are considered at home, in the community, and at decision-making tables. With a commitment to addressing the challenges faced by communities across New Brunswick, Jill is continually deepening her understanding of how food can be a transformative tool for social change.

Living on unceded Mi’kmaq lands in Moncton, N.B., Jill shares her home with her partner Naason, daughter Caissy, and two ginger cats, Moose and Rusty. While she may not always be the best cook, her passion for enjoying and sharing good food runs deep. She is grateful for the opportunity to explore and develop community-building efforts that create lasting social change through strong connections and food.

Dr. Mark McKelvie is the Regional Medical Officer of Health for Zone 3, where he tackles a variety of health issues, many of which are intricately linked to food insecurity. With experience in public health organizations across New Brunswick, Ontario, Newfoundland, and internationally, Mark has cultivated a deep understanding of how food security serves as a foundational building block for population health.

Originally from Newfoundland, Mark has been residing in Fredericton with his family for the past four years. Outside of his professional duties, he enjoys taking advantage of the region’s biking trails, hiking paths and growing food in his garden.

Susanne White has had her finger in many pies over the years supporting community efforts to address food insecurity in her role as the ESIC Coordinator for poverty reduction, including the launch of bulk food buying clubs across the province, the formation and operation of a provincial school food organization advocating for program funding called Nourishing Minds NB, trials of food coupon programs through a weekly produce market at the library, stewardship of Good Food Greater Fredericton, a food security network and the start up of NB Community Harvest Gardens. Food passions these days include coordinating the St. Mary’s community garden crew, and making jams, pickles….and pies.

Kimothy Stewart a former client of Greener Village, Kimothy was hopeful that someday she would be able to give back to the organization that helped her through difficult times in the past. Through those difficult times, and with the support of services from Greener Village such as monthly food hampers and Christmas Angel campaigns, Kimothy was able to return to school to earn not one, but three diplomas in Business Management, Public Relations and Paralegal while working both a full time and part time job. Now, as the Marketing

Coordinator for Parks New Brunswick, her passion lies in promoting everything outdoors in our beautiful province. She brings this marketing experience to Greener Village in hopes of helping to build the brand, grow outreach and be a part of an organization that does so much for the city of Fredericton and surrounding areas where she was born and raised. Kimothy released from the Canadian Forces in November of 2020, where she served as a Reservist for nine years.

Gail Farnsworth is a UNB graduate. Gail spent time in the school system and then became a trainer for a local company. Now retired, Gail has become, with the help of some great volunteers, a professional volunteer. Gail says that she had no training for this, she just did it! Kathy Sherwood Orser encouraged her to start a Wellness Committee in Nackawic. Gail says she is sure there were times when she wished she hadn’t agreed! Since 2012, with Gail’s passion, Nackawic has started multiple projects, with a variety of different themes, and dedicated to a cross section of the population. Her aim; both then and now, was to create opportunities for our community…. and that you have accomplished Gail!