U of T BIPOC Food Sovereignty Hub

Summary: The industrialized food system is a key propellent of climate change, contributing a third of all global greenhouse gas emissions. This project responds to Canada’s deepening food insecurity crisis by advancing food sovereignty approaches that empower communities to build resilient and equitable food systems. Uniting researchers from across U of T’s three campuses, the U of T BIPOC Food Sovereignty Hub will unite Black, Indigenous, and other racialized people involved in food growing, harvesting, and education. The Hub will provide a dedicated space for BIPOC students, staff, and faculty to lead, while welcoming allies to learn, support, and participate. By connecting campus initiatives with food justice practitioners across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and beyond, the Hub will foster collaboration to build culturally relevant, climate-resilient, and just food systems. The project will build on U of T’s Institutional Strategic Initiatives including the Black Research Network, Indigenous Research Network, and SDGs@UofT to catalyze BIPOC-led research, teaching, and action on climate and food systems; develop community partnerships for food infrastructure; create land-based learning opportunities; and centre Black and Indigenous research methodologies. Expected outcomes include a tri-campus network, academic publications, webinars, funding proposals, and a good practices guide.