As ethnographer and diasporic food systems researcher, Rebecca Russo challenges the food industry to engage with academic research to tackle food insecurity. Throughout her career as chef and volunteer at many organizations, such as Toronto’s St. Felix Centre, Rebecca has witnessed firsthand how problematic sourcing and distribution practices can marginalize Indigenous peoples and people of color. She knows how important it is to address these issues from a cultural perspective, rather than just focusing on the practical aspects of food production and distribution.

Raised by a traditional farmer and mom of two university-aged children, Rebecca is committed to examining social inequities related to food sustainability. With the enormous support of the Swan Francis Award, she will have the opportunity to travel to Italy this summer and study food anthropology at the University of Siena through UofT’s Summer Abroad Program at Woodsworth College.

“I was brought up with a strong sense of sustainability and respect for where food comes from. By drawing on my own experiences with identity and self-discovery through food, and in conjunction with University of Toronto, I see an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the food industry.”