“Agency of Older Adults in the Food Justice Movement” Blog by Karl Kinanen Graduate Award Recipient, Andrew Sweetnam

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Older adults in Canada are currently experiencing the fastest rising rates of food insecurity, however, social movements often overlook the perspectives and concerns of older adults. Acknowledging the role of older adults in the food justice movement is thus of increasing importance. The food justice movement aims to ensure equitable access to nutritious food ‘for all’ through empowerment and engagement of community. My PhD research explores the agency and engagement of older adults within the context of the food justice movement.

The Karl Kinanen Scholarship has played a pivotal role in making this research possible, providing the financial support needed to travel to visit collaborating community partners in Montreal, QC. In collaboration with Community Food Centres Canada, this research spanned from as far east as Dartmouth, NS to as far west as Kamloops, BC, interviewing over 130 older adults partaking in community food centre programs in communities such as Hamilton, ON; Thunder Bay, ON; Montreal, QC; Toronto, ON; Kamloops, BC; Dartmouth, NS; Winnipeg, MB.

Preliminary results reveal how community food centres serve as transformative community hubs. They provide avenues for access to desired foods and act as educational platforms for household food purchasing. Dynamic social program offerings and educational initiatives serve to foster individual agency around social policy and community governance. Older adults, empowered through these programs become advocates for their well-being, encouraged and empowered to actively engage in civic dialogue.

The Karl Kinanen Scholarship has been instrumental in facilitating the collaboration with community partners and in shaping the trajectory of this research. The financial support provided a bridge, connecting academic inquiry with on-the-ground realities, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by older adults in the movement advocating for food justice for all. 

As the analysis of findings unfolds, it becomes increasingly evident that the food justice movement must embrace age-related concerns to enact meaningful change. The preliminary results underscore the potential for community-based organizations to empower older adults, laying the groundwork for informed policies that can truly transform the landscape of food justice. As I work towards the completion of my PhD degree, I will continue to explore the findings and themes, unraveling the potential they hold for a more inclusive and equitable future.