The UNESCO Chair on Food, Biodiversity, and Sustainability Studies, supported by the Laurier Centre for Sustainable Food Systems, is hosting an upcoming panel discussion to celebrate the launch of Dr. Kevin Morgan's book, Serving the Public: The good food revolution in schools, hospitals and prisons.

Join us online, Thursday February 6, 2025 from 10:30am-12:00pm EST 

Register through Zoom   

The event will be recorded and made available to registered attendees. If you have any questions, please contact emiltenburg@wlu.ca 

Event Description 

Drawing on 20 years of research into public food systems in the UK, Dr. Kevin Morgan demonstrates how public dollars can and must serve the public plate in his new book, Serving the Public: The good food revolution in schools, hospitals and prisons. 

Join the author and featured panelists for an online discussion to explore how public institutions are harnessing the power of purchase to secure public health, social justice and ecological integrity. 

The book is available for pre-order through Manchester University Press and is published January 14, 2025.  

Speaker Biographies 

KEVIN MORGAN

Kevin Morgan is a Professor of Governance and Development at Cardiff University, Wales, recognized for his expertise in place-based innovation strategies and sustainable development. He has collaborated with the European Commission, OECD, and urban and regional governments across Europe, offering strategic insights to advance equitable and sustainable growth. Kevin’s research spans innovation, spatial development, food sustainability, devolution, governance, the foundational economy, and civic and social enterprise. With research funded by organizations such as the ESRC, British Academy, European Commission, and the Gates Foundation, Kevin has contributed significantly to advancing policy and practice in both local and global contexts. His work has shaped approaches to food sustainability and regional innovation, emphasizing the importance of governance and grassroots initiatives in fostering resilient economies.  Kevin continues to bridge academia and practice, working with governments and development agencies worldwide to drive impactful change. 

MOE GARAHAN 

Moe Garahan has been working on food and farming issues since 1995.  She is the Executive Director of Just Food Community Farm, a vital hub promoting sustainable agriculture, food security, and community engagement in Eastern Ontario. Her work has significantly contributed to the growth of sustainable local food networks across the region. She has become a key advocate for regional food systems change as her work spans coast-to-coast-to-coast. She is also the Partnership Coordinator for the Common Ground Network and Food Communities Network and is actively involved in Sustain Ontario. As a passionate advocate for sustainable food systems, Moe believes deeply in the power of collaboration and grassroots action to build resilient communities. 

DEBBIE FIELD

Debbie Field is the Coordinator of the Coalition for Healthy School Food, a network of over 330 organizations advocating for a National School Food Program and Policy in Canada. A lifelong community activist, she is passionate about grassroots campaigns and has played a pivotal role in expanding student nutrition programs across Canada. As the former Executive Director of FoodShare Toronto, she helped develop innovative school food initiatives and co-founded the Coalition for Healthy School Food. Debbie also contributes to academia, teaching at McGill University's Max Bell School of Public Policy and holding affiliations with the Centre for Studies in Food Security at Toronto Metropolitan University. 

JOSHNA MAHARAJ 

Joshna Maharaj is a chef, activist, and speaker dedicated to reimagining institutional food systems to prioritize health, sustainability, and dignity. She  champions the transformation of hospital, school, and institutional meals, advocating for fresh, locally sourced food and a return to meaningful connections with what we eat.  Joshna is a two-time TEDx speaker and oft sought-after voice. As an educator, she is deeply invested in nurturing students and considering the future of the hospitality industry. Joshna is the author of Take Back the Tray (May 2020), which describes her work building new models for institutional food procurement, production and service. The book was recognized on the longlist of the Toronto Book Awards and as winner of the World Gourmand Cookbook Award in 2020.  

Moderated by Alison Blay-Palmer 

Alison Blay-Palmer, the UNESCO Chair on Food, Biodiversity, and Sustainability Studies is the founding Director of the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems and a Professor in Geography and Environmental Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University.  Alison collaborates with academics and practitioners across Canada and internationally including partners in Australia, Brazil, France, India, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Uganda and the United States. Alison has been a member of the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists since 2016. She is the Principal Investigator on Food Learning and Growing (FLOW) which includes research and monitoring over 5 years in eight territorial food systems. Her research on sustainable food systems, biodiversity and community resilience builds on civil society engagement and innovative governance.