Food-rescue and hunger-relief leader Lori Nikkel
For redistributing surplus food to people who need it
Were used to seeing food drives during the holidays, but in 2023, inflation and soaring grocery bills made headlines all year long. Lori Nikkel, the CEO of Second Harvest, a food rescue organization, says food charities are experiencing record visits and at least 6.9 million people in Canada are living in food-insecure situations. Thats one in every five people in Canada, she says, adding that produce and protein are particularly out of reach for many. The connection between what we eat, how we feel each day and our long-term health is clear. When people dont have access to adequate nutrition, they dont have the necessary ingredients to thrive, says Nikkel. She points out that food insecurity can lead to diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, chronic pain, depression, stress and anxiety. Second Harvest addresses the crisis by redistributing surplus food from restaurants and businesses to meal programs, shelters, addiction centres and senior centres.In the process, more than 74 million pounds of healthy food were diverted from landfills by Second Harvest in the last year. Were laser focused on improving the health of people and the planet, Nikkel says. She explains that food waste left to rot is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. (In 2020, she was awarded the Clean 50 award, for her contributions to clean capitalism.)Nikkel began her career in the field of food insecurity and hunger relief after volunteering as a nutrition coordinator at her kids school. As a low-income single mom raising three sons, she had first-hand experience with food insecurity and wants to dispel any assumptions or stereotypes. Many people have jobs, own cars and live in houses, but they are still struggling to put enough nutritious food on the table. Ariel Brewster
