Prefiguring an Equitable Net-Zero Future by Mitigating Food Waste and Enhancing Food Security

Summary: Food waste and food security are intertwined, particularly in the context of climate action. Food waste vastly contributes to Canada's GHG emissions, while climate change exacerbates food insecurity. This research project will address the significant food waste generated by U of T while simultaneously tackling student food insecurity. I'll investigate effective and equitable strategies to minimize food waste at the post-production stage and ensure accessible food security programs on campus. Recognizing that a significant amount of campus food is discarded while students are food insecure, I will explore avenues for redistributing surplus food to address both environmental and social concerns. I'll investigate existing barriers and propose innovative solutions to provide equitable food security initiatives on campus. By developing a proposal for effective food redistribution mechanisms, the project aims to reduce waste, promote responsible consumption, and alleviate food insecurity.

Team Members

Michael Classens

Michael Classens

Environment

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Tamara Altarac

Tamara Altarac

School of the Environment

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Climate Positive Energy has integrated into the Lawson Climate Institute.

Integration of the Climate Positive Energy Initiative (CPE) into the Lawson Climate Institute (LCI) represents a strategic evolution that amplifies University of Toronto’s collective impact on climate solutions. CPE's established expertise in sustainable energy research and innovation becomes a cornerstone of the Lawson Climate Institute's comprehensive mandate to address the climate crisis through technology, policy, and education.

Existing and ongoing grants, research projects, partnerships, and other activity under Climate Positive Energy will continue uninterrupted and will transition to operate under the Lawson Climate Institute brand in the coming months.