We chat about matcha, applied biology and career development with Aldona Czajewska, the new VP of Professional Development in the LFS Young Alumni Council.
Aldona Czajewska Batchelor of Science in Applied Biology, 2017
What is your favourite flavour and why?
Matcha. It’s green and healthy!
What are the highlights of your career since you graduated?
After graduation from my Applied Animal Biology degree, I worked in different roles such as in research labs, student affairs and the sustainability field. Although I never really had a linear career path, I was always interested in teaching and learning and my former roles mostly had that common theme related to education. There were times when I thought I’d never use the knowledge I gained from my LFS courses, but I was surprised that the knowledge and experiences I obtained helped me in all my roles. It goes to show you that every course, every degree and every job teaches you something new that you can use in the future and nothing is ever wasted.
What activities, programs, and extracurricular projects did you pursue as an LFS student?
I was involved in various Work Learn positions, such as illustrating biology lab manuals and developing animated homework videos for first year Physics students. I also had the opportunity to be an undergraduate teaching assistant for an entomology class and worked with students in a laboratory setting which solidified my passion for working with students and teaching.
What are your highlights of studying Applied Biology at LFS?
I appreciated the hands-on and work-integrated learning in many LFS courses and the opportunity to select electives that aligned with my interests and schedule. The flexibility of Applied Biology was nice, and I learned the importance of networking with faculty members and gaining experience in research and lab settings. The tight-knit community of LFS was something I really valued, a place where I didn’t feel I was a number, but that I mattered.
Do you have some top tips for new alumni looking for their first job?
Tapping into your existing network (past professors, staff, friends, etc) is very important and so is unitizing your LinkedIn profile to search for professionals working in your field of work or to discover new interests or career paths. Doing informational interviews is one of my top tips as well: you can’t be what you can’t see! The UBC Career Centre has amazing resources to support new alumni find their first job as well. Finally, join the LFS Young Alumni community and attend our events!
As the new VP of Professional Development on the LFS Young Alumni Council, what are you most excited about?
As VP of Professional Development on the LFS Young Alumni Council, I’m passionate about helping alumni develop their professional careers. I’m interested in expanding networking events, guest speaker talks, and career workshop opportunities. There is a lot of potential to support LFS alumni in their professional development journeys, and I’m so excited to be part of it. Follow Us on LinkedIn!
And finally, where on campus is your go-to place to eat and/or place to relax?
Steve’s Poké Bar is a great place for food at a good price! Nitobe garden is a secret place I go for relaxation.
Melanie Lantz joins a dynamic group of alumni who provideadvice and counsel to the alumni UBC Board and the Associate Vice-President/Executive Director, alumni UBC.
Melanie is a seasoned professional with a deep-rooted passion for agriculture and a wealth of experience in the field. She is currently the Vice President, CFS Agriculture at RBC, where she leads the Commercial Agriculture team. Throughout her career, Melanie has been deeply involved in various facets of agriculture, including roles as a Field Service Representative with the BC Milk Marketing Board and various roles in the animal health industry.
Melanie graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) majoring in Animal Science in 2001. Additionally, she earned her Professional Agrologist (PAg) designation from the BC Institute of Agrologists in 2004.
Currently, Melanie is engaged in the community as a member of the External Advisory Committee for University of the Fraser Valley School of Business, as the President of the Board of Directors for BC Agriculture In The Classroom Foundation, and as a member of the Nomination Committee for the British Columbia Institute of Agrologists (BCIA).
Find out more about our undergraduate programs in our Future Students page.
Ebod Shojaei graduated from the Faculty of Land and Food Systems with a BSc in Applied Biology. After graduating, he worked as a research assistant and most recently held the role of Associate Research Scientist at Evidinno Outcomes Research Inc. He is currently looking for opportunities that will enable him to leverage his technical skills.
In this profile, Ebod provides thoughtful insights and valuable advice for both prospective and current LFS students and shares more about what’s next for him.
How did you land your first opportunity after graduating?
It felt like a blend of fate and dedication. I started with humble beginnings, taking on various summer jobs during my undergraduate years. I worked as a restaurant dishwasher, an outdoor landscaper, and even a cell phone salesman, while also volunteering at the VCH Dialysis Clinic and UBC Hospital. These diverse experiences strengthened my time management, communication, and decision-making skills, especially in fast-paced, time-sensitive environments.
In addition, my time in LFS equipped me with a strong theoretical and practical foundation that thoroughly prepared me, and enabled me to excel in my first research role.
What kind of work are you excited to pursue moving forward? Is there anything that you have experienced or learned that is leading you in that direction?
Working in research allowed me to pursue my passion for continual learning, as there was always something new to discover. Along the way, I realized my growing appreciation for technical roles over management positions. I wanted to pursue a technical role because I find problem-solving stimulating – a lot like solving a puzzle.
Changing fields has been a short-term setback but a hopeful long-term fulfillment. However, this shift came with its challenges, particularly the need to bridge significant technical knowledge gaps. This led me to return to university to deepen my knowledge in data science, which eventually led me toward software development. I ultimately found my place in a technical, research-driven role—a journey that would not have been possible without the belief and support of my mentors in the field.
I want to continue research and incorporate development into my skill set. Reaching out to and networking with professors has helped me grow my research skills and experience. Doing this enabled me to collaborate on security research with Dr. Jeeho Ryoo. The belief, support, and responsibility he instilled in me allowed us to accomplish a milestone in the field. I strongly suggest doing the work you’re interested in and finding a mentor in the field who can guide you in the right direction. The experiences and discussions we have had together have been incredibly enriching.
Do you have any suggestions for how to conduct a strong job search process?
A strong resume/CV (which takes multiple iterations), always including cover letters, and applying across different platforms are all important. Calling/emailing to follow up is also always an option.
Be patient. The hardest part is watching people’s lives move forward while yours sits at a standstill. We have expectations and not all will go your way. Patience is key and a good way to appreciate fresh air. Staying proactive and taking a break is a balancing act of its own but necessary to avoid burnout. A lot just comes down to luck no matter how hard you work. Consistency makes it more likely for you to show up at the right place at the right time.
What advice would you give to a high school student considering Applied Biology at LFS?
Dare to dream and never give up! Studying at UBC was a dream come true and LFS provided a perfect blend of academic research and hands-on fieldwork. LFS particularly resonated with me as I became increasingly aware of the pressing climate issues we face. My interest in human health was nurtured within the program’s nutrition courses, where diverse disciplines of human health and our environment were integrated into a cohesive and holistic learning experience. I especially enjoyed the supportive community—students and professors alike—who made each day at UBC a true joy.
Whether or not you have a clear path in mind, remember that it’s important to reflect on each course experience to discover what truly excites you. It’s not just about leveraging your strengths—it’s about following your passions, as passion will naturally build your strengths over time.
Are there any resources you would recommend for students who are looking to enter your industry and/or profession?
While digital platforms like LinkedIn can be helpful, the most meaningful connections are often made in person at events that align with your interests. These gatherings are great places to meet like-minded professionals who can share their unique experiences and insights. I highly recommend engaging with the community–whether it’s through UBC events, local volunteering, or online networking. Building genuine relationships is key to discovering new pathways and advancing in your career.
Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to share with us?
I am proud to share several of my achievements, starting with earning an Honours designation on my degree upon graduation. During my years as a health researcher, I was recognized with two “Employee of the Quarter” awards, which reflected the collective decision of my team to acknowledge my contributions. These accomplishments not only boosted my confidence but also reinforced my ability to make decisions. Most recently, I was deeply honoured to receive the LFS Mentorship Program Certificate of Recognition for over five years of mentoring at UBC. These achievements have been incredibly meaningful in my journey, serving as a reminder that a positive attitude and hard work are key ingredients to finding success.
Find out more about our undergraduate programs in our Future Students page.
June 25, 2025 – Leonard Zheng has taken varied roles within LFS and UBC to build upon his leadership experiences – gaining valuable skills in finance, mentorship, sustainability work, and community building.
Zheng served as VP Finance with the LFS Undergraduate Student Society (LFS|US), where he managed a student budget. This pushed him to understand every detail of how money flows within an organization as he worked closely with the President and other VPs to plan their budgets and understand each of the nine portfolios.
“I learned that financial decisions need to be well thought out and that offering the right advice means first understanding people’s needs. This role taught me the importance of accountability, teamwork, and planning.”
As VP Finance, he is particularly proud of leading the redesign of the Feeding the Future subsidies program in response to concerns about student food insecurity at UBC. Instead of grocery gift cards, the LFS|US team offered free meal tickets for students at the LFS|US Wednesday Night Dinner and Agora Café. It was a more budget-friendly option while providing balanced nutrition and fostering a stronger sense of community.
Through the UBC Work Learn program, he worked as a Mentorship Program Assistant for the LFS Mentorship Program. He fostered connections between 300 LFS students and alumni, recognizing that mentors and mentees are at very different stages of life, as he built a stronger community of support for LFS students.
“I had to adapt my communication style, bring creative content around careers and leadership to students, and find ways to keep alumni engaged.”
Zheng also served as a Jumpstart and Imagine Day Orientation Leader for incoming LFS students, and has been involved in UBC-wide sustainability initiatives. Zheng worked at the UBC Sustainability Hub as a Sustainability Engagement Lead, as well as an SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Action Month Coordinator. He also served on the AMS Sustainability Subcommittee and UBC Sustainability Student Advisory Council.
He continued to stay in contact with the Jumpstart students after the program ended and helped many of them grow and succeed in their personal and academic journeys.
“I shared academic tips, personal advice, and encouraged them to get involved. Many of them have since joined LFS initiatives like LFS|US, Agora Café, Sprouts, and Nutrikids, which makes me feel like I played a part in helping them thrive.”
Top tip for becoming a leader:
Consider taking on a student job—such as a Co-op or Work Learn position—or getting involved through a volunteer role with a student club, the undergraduate society (like LFS|US), or programs such as the UBC Sustainability Ambassadors Program or LFS Mentorship Program. These opportunities will not only help you develop valuable leadership skills and experience, but also allow you to collaborate with diverse teams and grow into a leadership role within the LFS and UBC community.
Find out more about our undergraduate programs in our Future Students page.
June 25, 2025 – For Ashley Jang, it was those first-year jitters that kick-started her leadership involvement in LFS.
Remembering how nervous she was on Imagine Day, she decided to volunteer at the following year’s event as an Orientation Leader so that she could create a sense of community for incoming students.
“Reflecting on my first-day anxiety, I was determined to offer the same support and sense of belonging that I received. This sparked my passion for leadership. By creating connections and helping new students feel at home, I witnessed how community fosters growth and empowers students.”
Jang says that one of the most important aspects of peer support is fostering meaningful relationships and trust, so that people feel comfortable reaching out to ask questions and to build connections. COVID-19 presented extra challenges, a time when Jang served as a Senior Orientation Leader and had to prepare Orientation Leaders to welcome new students using virtual meetings. She hosted virtual socials, check-ins, and prioritized communication – and her efforts paid off.
“After Imagine Day, several leaders approached me for mentorship on leadership positions and co-op applications, reinforcing that leadership is about fostering relationships that support peers’ growth – not just executing events.”
She has also been involved in LFS ACE (Academic and Career Engagement) Team and served as the first LFS Student Recruitment Coordinator, a new year-long co-op position. It was here that Jang represented UBC to the external community and initiated creative ways to talk about LFS to high school students.
“I launched the LFS Outreach Assistant program, providing 19 LFS students with leadership and public speaking opportunities while mentoring prospective students. Additionally, I engaged 13 faculty members in recruitment events, strengthening LFS’s reputation as a friendly and supportive faculty. Seeing prospective students return to multiple events – and later get admitted into LFS – proved that this program was making a meaningful difference.”
Top tip for becoming a leader:
My tip for building leadership skills is to be intentional about the specific skills you want to develop. While it may be tempting to improve everything at once, focus on a few key strengths to build on, weaknesses to improve, and lessons to learn within the context of your role. Once you’ve identified these elements, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of the steps needed to support your growth as a leader. It’s also important to reflect on these areas regularly to stay aligned with your goals.
Find out more about our undergraduate programs in our Future Students page.
June 25, 2025 – Maria Serban feels fortunate to have made a positive impact on other students, instructors and community members throughout her time in LFS.
A strong advocate for nutrition and health, Serban became involved in the Nutrikids club and progressed from being a general volunteer to Community Outreach Coordinator, and eventually President over the course of four years. As President, she led a team of four executives and mentored more than 90 student volunteers in delivering nutrition workshops to elementary school students.
Serban also provided a student voice in academic planning as an Undergraduate Academic Assistant, along with three other students, working with Professor Bruna Donatti to redesign course FNH 470: Nutrition Care II.
“This project reinforced my understanding as a leader of the importance of student-faculty collaboration and how leadership extends beyond student groups – it also involves advocating for peers and gathering student perspectives to make a lasting impact on LFS student academic experiences.”
She is passionate about equipping students with a stronger connection to the dietetics community. She was a mentor with the UBC Dietetic Student Community for two years, where she supported prospective dietetics students in navigating the application process and learning more about the program, and helped organize outreach events for current students.
Serban says that she’s enjoyed working within the tight-knit community of students passionate about promoting nutrition education, and taking leadership roles that allowed her to interact with faculty, students, and other community members to contribute to the “best faculty of all thyme”.
Top tip for becoming a leader:
I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about always being open to learning and jumping in to help wherever you can. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and look for opportunities that truly excite you. Every experience, big or small, can help you grow!
Find out more about our undergraduate programs in our Future Students page.
Max is a third-year Applied Biology student, majoring in Applied Animal Biology. Originally from North Vancouver, Max chose LFS straight out of high school after hearing about its academic programs and tight-knit community. His passion for animals and interest in both animal behaviour and human medicine continue to shape his academic journey.
Throughout his time at UBC, Max has found that the most rewarding part of his experience has been the friendships he built in his first year, which have supported him ever since. He values the sense of community in LFS, where smaller class sizes and approachable staff and faculty members make it easier to build meaningful connections. Max encourages students to find a routine, lean on their support system, and not be afraid to ask for help. For him, LFS has offered not just education, but a space to grow, explore, and feel supported every step of the way.
What are three adjectives that describe you?
Friendly, Consistent, Determined
What made you choose LFS, and what’s been the most rewarding part of your experience so far?
I chose LFS because I’d heard great things about its programs and how strong the community is. That sense of community became real for me in my first year. While living in residence, I made amazing friends who’ve stayed by my side throughout my university journey. I’m really thankful for them.
Who is your favourite instructor in LFS and what impact have they had on your LFS experience?
My favourite instructor in LFS is probably Amelia MacRae, who teaches the Animals in Society course (APBI 314). I think that this instructor is my favourite because she was very knowledgeable and passionate about the course material, but also she was very funny and created a great learning environment. Being in her class motivated me, as I saw someone who was so knowledgeable and passionate about the same discipline that I am interested in.
Can you share if you experienced a challenge (academic or personal) during your time at UBC?
I have struggled with managing my time so that I do not become overwhelmed. It has been hard at times to juggle classes, clubs, sports, volunteering, work, and friends all at the same time. Oftentimes in the past few years, it has been overwhelming, but the way that I have dealt with it is having a great group of friends who support me and make sure that I take time for myself to relax, so that my life isn’t always go go go. I have also learned that it is possible to take on too many commitments, and it is important to know my own limits.
How has your experience in LFS shaped your vision for your future?
I believe that being part of LFS has made me realize the importance of being flexible in approaching my future. I have learned that not every path is straightforward, and there are many different turns and diversions that can occur during your journey, which can be beneficial for you. Overall, LFS has made me feel positive about my future, no matter what I decide to do.
What inspired your interest in Applied Animal Biology, and where do you see that leading you after your degree?
I have always loved being around animals, so when I found out about the Applied Animal Biology major in LFS, I knew I had to apply. I am still exploring where it will take me. I enjoy working with animals and researching their biology and behaviour, but I am also interested in human medicine.
What helped you adjust to university life, and how has being in a smaller Faculty made a difference?
The best way to adapt is to find a routine early and build connections. It can feel overwhelming at first, but once you settle in and make some friends, everything feels more manageable. Being in a smaller Faculty like LFS helps with that. The strong sense of community and support from staff and professors in LFS makes it easier to feel at home.
How often does your food travel? Dr. Rick Barichello explains Canada’s food supply chain, and how the industry can adapt in the wake of a trade war.
A steak could cross the border four times, before landing on Canadians’ plates.
With every week bringing more news of tariffs, between Canada, America, and the rest of the world, Dr. Rick Barichello sheds some clarity while we wait for the dust to settle. At the time of this interview, the United States of America had just imposed a 25% tariff on a number of Canadian goods, including agricultural products.
“It’ll be quite damaging to many of our Canadian producers,” Barichello said. “The tariff is added onto the cost of exports going into the US, which drives up the within-US price of our products.”
Normally, the cost of tariffs is split, with consumers paying more to purchase and producers making less in sales. This mix can vary, but we know historically that most of the burden transfers onto the consumer.
An Integrated Supply Chain
Trade between Canada and the US has been so heavily integrated, that sometimes a finished product will have crossed the border four times before landing in grocery stores. A calf born in Canada could be exported to the US to grow to a certain size on a feedlot. Then, it could travel across the country to finish growing at another location. Eventually, that same cow could travel back to Canada for slaughter, and be sent back to the US to be butchered into portions for consumers. This is all based on relative costs, not at random.
The livestock industry was set up this way to allow producers to specialize in certain sections of the supply chain. Transportation costs in North America were low, and crossing the border was relatively painless. Now, the industry will be hit hard with tariffs, likely at several steps, and if they continue, the underlying business plans will have to be re-considered.
However, there are some sectors that will be minimally affected by the tariffs. Dairy and poultry are relatively immune, because Canada does not significantly export or import these products. This is due to massive barriers to trade, initially set up by the Canadian government to protect these industries.
Alternative Trade Partners
While the world waits to see America’s next move, alternative trade partnerships are being strengthened elsewhere.
“We could pivot to Asia or Europe, but nothing is as easy or as low cost as selling to the US,” Barichello said.
“We could pivot to Asia or Europe, but nothing is as easy or as low cost as selling to the US”
– Dr. Rick Barichello
Many prairie farmers do have a choice in which crops to plant. Canada’s trade prospects for wheat and pulses remain fairly strong. Canada is the world’s largest exporter of lentils, with most of the $2 billion in exports sold to the largest importer in the world, India. Canadian farmers are now choosing which crops to plant for the coming year deciding among wheat, canola (normally $5 billion in exports to the US, but now with heavy tariff risks), and lentils destined for Asia.
However, pivoting into new markets, such as meats, is not so easy. Other countries have different tastes that affect how food is grown, raised, and processed. Barichello singled out Australia as a successful beef exporter to Japan and Korea and modified their exported products by asking their Asian buyers, ‘how would you like it?”
This adaptation to selling into new markets involves reshaping our supply chains. But that is not the only challenge. The remarkable level of ‘maintained uncertainty’ that characterizes Trump trade policy is itself a US ‘tax’ facing trade-oriented Canadian agriculture. We can no longer predict US trade policies as we did in the past, based on what is in the US’s best interests.
A Silver Lining
Barichello emphasized one silver lining in this trade war.
“The threat of US tariffs is not going away, so we’re being forced to be more competitive, in addition to diversifying our export markets” Barichello said. “The forestry industry is moving into mass wood, an engineered wood product that can compete with concrete and steel. We also will benefit from that type of innovation in our agriculture, to develop new markets, improve the supply chain and better connect with local suppliers of Canadian agricultural products.”
Demand for Canadian products has even encouraged innovation within UBC. Barichello has worked with undergraduate students who are excited to build platforms that connect small businesses and local suppliers.
“This is a reshaping of the supply chain,” Barichello said. “And offers the potential for much positive change.”
“This is a reshaping of the supply chain, and offers the potential for much positive change.”
– Dr. Rick Barichello
The effects of US tariffs on Canadian consumers
Will this tariff war be reflected in higher inflation for consumers in Canada? First, US tariffs will raise food prices in the US. But for most of Canada’s agricultural and food products, it is complex. Will US tariffs continue? If they do, they may move Canada’s prices modestly upwards if we can soon export to other markets readily. Wheat is such an example. But for canola, beef and hogs, where the US market is much more important as a share of our exports, their prices will fall in Canada unless other markets can be found for these commodities that can sustain pre-tariff prices. Even this prediction can be overwhelmed by changes in world commodity market prices: Canola CAD prices have jumped in the past two months and canola is now selling for 20% more than the 2024 average.
Food prices in grocery stores rose by 3.8%, as of April 2025.
In terms of retail food prices, the most recent inflation data in Canada shows that food prices in grocery stores rose by 3.8 percent (April 2025) compared to April 2024, and the March number was almost as large (3.2). Meanwhile overall inflation rose by only 1.7 percent. This recent divergence between overall inflation and food price increases comes as a surprise, especially when in the US, April 2025 comparable food price inflation was only 2.0 percent. As for agricultural commodity prices, it is very difficult to anticipate food price growth (from month to month, even year by year), much less attribute recent food price increases in Canada to new US tariffs.
Growing up in small-town Minnesota might seem like an unlikely backstory for a future of immersive fieldwork in Mexico, Uganda and beyond. But for applied economist Erin Litzow (PhD ISLFS 2024)—a recently appointed University of Texas at Dallas Assistant Professor of Sustainability—one factor focused her young mind on thinking deeply about the world far away from her Midwestern home.
Social media during the pandemic broadcast countless images of empty grocery store shelves, often fuelling panic buying among shoppers. But according to Dr. James Vercammen, supply systems held up well throughout this uniquely demanding time.
Exploring land-based relationships with a fresh view
This year, 10 UBC researchers – including two from Land and Food Systems – received funds of up to $10,000 to support their collaborative projects, knowledge translation and mobilization initiatives related to the climate and nature emergency.
Nicole Fetterly, a graduate of the UBC Dietetics program, started her career as a dietitian working in surgery and acute care. By exploring diverse aspects of the nutrition field and learning more about the production of local BC products, she expanded her career opportunities to include developing menus to improve access to healthy food, teaching nutrition to different audiences in different scales, developing new resources and even writing her own book!
Nicole career has led her to use what she learned from the Dietetics program to contribute to things she is passionate about. While earning awards for her dedication to this work, she has also gained valuable insights from each of these varied experiences. We asked Nicole to share a bit more about her experience to help inspire and support the LFS community.
What was your first job after graduation? What other jobs have you been able to pursue since then?
It’s common as a dietitian to be offered a casual position with the health authority at which you intern. I did that and worked my way into more permanent positions in surgery and acute care for elders. I always wanted to explore opportunities outside of clinical practice, including private practice, which I began upon graduation.
An opportunity arose to work as the Nutrition Operations Manager at Choices Markets. While I held this role, I adored learning more about retail food and the production of local BC foods, visiting farms and factories. I loved managing a team of Nutrition Consultants and coming up with creative new ways to engage customers when they were making important decisions about what to purchase and put in their bodies.
Once I felt ready to engage with a new audience, I took on the role of Manager of Nutrition and Wellbeing with UBC Food Services. This gave me the chance to engage with undergraduate students at a pivotal time in their lives, when they are beginning a more autonomous relationship with food. I also loved working closely with the chefs in menu development and labeling to help improve the availability of healthy food on campus.
I moved to Victoria and was able to transition to a similar position at UVic. While pursuing my Masters degree there, I had the opportunity to teach Nutrition to 200 undergraduate students each term as a sessional instructor.
Since then, I have worked in public health on a variety of contracts and projects, including:
Improving the food literacy and feeding of 0-5 year olds as Lead Trainer with Appetite to Play
Developing resources and facilitating virtual cooking classes through Generation Health Community and later becoming the Program Manager
Does your career look like you expected it would?
No, I have just written a book, Fueling Your Recovery: Healing with Nutrition in the Journey From Addiction, based on my own personal experience with addiction and undergoing treatment and realizing that food and nutrition support is sorely lacking in the recovery sphere. I never thought decreasing the shame and stigma of the disease of addiction and using my professional expertise to help shape the treatment of this disease would be my path.
What was one of your most meaningful experiences at UBC? And why?
I identified a concern with the course FNH 341. I felt it lacked some important content, especially considering it was the only Foods course required of dietetics students during my time. When I flagged my concern to the Dean of LFS and the Dietetics Program Coordinator, I was given the opportunity to be involved in a needs assessment of the course where we polled current and former students and practicing dietitians. Then I was honoured to be involved in revising the FNH 341 curriculum along with Gerry Kasten, incorporating some of my own recipes and adding content on key missing topics like legumes/pulses and fish/seafood. Over the last 17 years, I’ve heard from students that this is their favourite course on campus, and I feel so proud to have this as part of my legacy.
Whether achieved before, during or after your time at UBC, are there any other awards or honours you’d like to share with us?
While working at Choices Markets, I won the award Star Woman in Grocery from Canadian Grocer Magazine, which was amazing to celebrate women in a male-dominated industry, as well as promote a health-based role in a field focused on business.
During my time at UVic, I won the Food Allergy Canada Robyn Allen Memorial Award for advocacy for those living with life-threatening food allergies. This was given for all the work I did in initiating allergen-labeling on campus as well as the start of the first Stock Epinephrine program in BC, providing life-saving medication and training for first responders to use on the UVic campus.
Find out more about our undergraduate programs in our Future Students page.
Shopping Locally for Produce in Canada: Why It Matters and How to Start
Our actions can help build a stronger and more sustainable food system.
UBC Farm
When you walk through a farmers’ market or pick up a box of produce from a Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, you are doing more than just buying fruits and vegetables – you are helping to build a stronger, more sustainable food system.
Shopping locally for produce in Canada has become more than a trend; it is a way to support farmers, foster community resilience, and make mindful choices about the food we eat. It also comes with challenges that make it important to be informed and intentional.
How Buying Local Supports Farmers
In an era where “Buy Canadian” campaigns are increasingly used by large corporations, it is easy to forget that supporting farmers can go beyond the supermarket. Anna Brookes, Site Services Coordinator at the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC Farm, highlights an important reality:
“Buying locally is especially big right now, of course with the pressure of the trade wars. But it has been interesting seeing how much ‘Buy Canadian’ has become an advertising campaign for the biggest Canadian food corporations,” explains Anna. “Buying from local farms means you are more likely to be supporting farmers for the full value of their labour, rather than supporting CEOs.”
Participating in programs like a CSA subscription directly helps small farms survive. Customers pay upfront for a share of the harvest, providing farms with critical early-season funding.
“Our farm, like a lot of small-scale farms, has a CSA program, which allows customers to buy a share – like a subscription box – of produce up front,” says Brookes. “It helps local farms thrive and makes getting food a social, community experience.”
Produce grown at UBC Farm
Challenges of Shopping Local
While buying local has its benefits, it is not without its hurdles. Convenience, cost and accessibility remain significant barriers.
“Buying local can be inconvenient! Our food system is not set up so that local food is the most accessible food,” explains Brookes. “Chances are you live closer to a chain grocery store than to a local farm.”
Farmers’ markets help bridge this gap but do not always solve every issue. Price is another concern, especially as grocery prices continue to climb. Interestingly, UBC Farm has found that their organic produce often competes favourably with conventional prices at big stores.
Another major factor is seasonality – something we sometimes take for granted when faced with year-round supermarket aisles full of strawberries and avocados.
“We have quite a short growing season here for produce,” Brookes notes. “It can be really hard needing a specific cultural food that does not grow or get made in this region.”
Making Informed Purchasing Decisions
Navigating the local food landscape can feel overwhelming, but a little curiosity goes a long way. Brookes recommends going straight to the source:
“You can head straight to a farmers’ market or CSA program and ask questions directly about the growing practices and labour practices involved in making your food.”
Asking questions empowers consumers to alight their purchases with their values – whether that is organic growing practices, fair labour standards, or minimal environmental impact. It is worth remembering that influence does not stop at the checkout line.
“Our power to shape food systems is not just limited to our role as consumers,” Brookes emphasizes. “We can also do a lot to move toward a sustainable future as students, researches, educators, workers, political actors, and community members.”
“We can also do a lot to move toward a sustainable future as students, researches, educators, workers, political actors, and community members.”
– Anna Brookes
The UBC Farm itself exists thanks to community members who organized to protect and support local agriculture with the “Save the Farm” campaign. On October 28, 2008, community members presented then-UBC President Stephen Toope with more than 16,000 signatures in support of retaining the UBC Farm in its existing size and location.
What’s in Season at the UBC Farm?
Understanding what is in season helps set realistic expectations and encourages a closer connection to the rhythms of local agriculture. At the UBC Farm, the growing season kicks off in May and June, bringing a vibrant mix of fresh produce. This includes greens like lettuce, chard, spinach, arugula and kale, and radishes, carrots, beets, beans, and herbs.
Pop-markets begin in May, with the full farmers’ markets season starting in early June, offering an ideal opportunity to stock up on local and seasonal food.
Tariffs and Trade in the Agriculture Industry How often does your food travel? Dr. Rick Barichello explains Canada’s food supply chain, and how the industry can adapt in the wake of a trade war. With every week bringing more news of tariffs, between Canada, America, and the rest of the world, Dr. Rick Barichello sheds […]
Growing up in small-town Minnesota might seem like an unlikely backstory for a future of immersive fieldwork in Mexico, Uganda and beyond. But for applied economist Erin Litzow (PhD ISLFS 2024)—a recently appointed University of Texas at Dallas Assistant Professor of Sustainability—one factor focused her young mind on thinking deeply about the world far away from her Midwestern home.
Social media during the pandemic broadcast countless images of empty grocery store shelves, often fuelling panic buying among shoppers. But according to Dr. James Vercammen, supply systems held up well throughout this uniquely demanding time.
