The University of Guelph community is mourning the death of Anita Stewart, U of G’s food laureate who died Oct. 29. The University’s flags will be lowered to half-mast Nov. 3 in her honour.
Visitations are scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Graham Giddy Funeral Home, 37 Church Street East, Elora, ON. Due to physical distancing requirements, people must RSVP to attend.
A long-time culinary journalist, food historian, and U of G food champion, Stewart was the founder of Cuisine Canada and Food Day Canada.
In 2012, she was appointed as U of G’s inaugural food laureate – believed to be a world first at any university. The position was created by the University in partnership with the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics and the Ontario Agricultural College. In this role, she served as the University’s honorary food ambassador, providing advocacy and leadership across campus.
The University has established an Anita Stewart Tribute Fund to continue to advance her lifetime contributions to the culinary life of Canada and her work as U of G’s food ambassador.
As well, this year U of G began construction of the Anita Stewart Alumni Food Laboratory, a unique, state-of-the-art facility supported by a generous gift from Michel Eric Fournelle, a U of G graduate and philanthropist.
The University reminds community members that support services and initiatives are available for all students, faculty and staff, including the following:
-Employee assistance program for faculty and staff, 1-800-265-8310
-Student Counselling Services, Ext. 53244
-Multi-Faith Resource Team, Ext. 58909
-Crisis Text Line, text “UofG” to 686868
-Good 2 Talk Help Line: 1-866-925-5454
-Here 24/7, 1-844-437-3247