Food Day Canada, a day celebrating Canadian-grown food, honours the work of farmers, fishers, chefs, researchers and home cooks across the food system. Each year Food Day Canada takes place on the Saturday of the August long weekend, this year landing on August 3.
Founded 21 years ago by the late Anita Stewart, former University of Guelph food laureate, Food Day Canada is celebrated across the University.
Learn how you can celebrate Food Day Canada at U of G and in the community!
Watch Arrell Food Institute’s New Documentary A Nation’s Table
To celebrate the legacy of Anita Stewart, the “patron saint of Canadian food,” the Arrell Food Institute is premiering their new documentary A Nation’s Table, created in partnership with Canada Beef and Food Day Canada, on July 25.
Throughout her career, Stewart contributed to uncovering untold stories that celebrate Canadian cuisine and ultimately created what we know today as the nationally recognized Food Day Canada. This film explores both Stewart’s rich legacy and the origins of Food Day Canada, aiming to inspire current and future food system leaders to continue her work.
“With critical issues facing our food systems, now more than ever, the need for innovative solutions becomes increasingly vital,” said Alice Raine, Director of Operations, Arrell Food Institute. “This documentary aims to celebrate Stewart’s contributions and build momentum towards positioning Canada as a global food leader.
“A Nation’s Table and Stewart’s story underscore the importance of resilience and creativity in building a food system that can sustain both its people and the planet.”
On July 25, Arrell Food Institute will premiere the documentary at the Arboretum, where attendees will view the film, hear from a panel discussion and enjoy a post-screening reception. The documentary will also soon be available to watch online for free on the Arrell Food Institute Website.
- Thursday, July 25, 5 to 7 p.m. (Arboretum Centre). Registration required.
Enjoy a Food Day Canada Feature Menu
U of G chefs are putting together a special Food Day Canada menu for Friday August 2, featuring Broccoli Latkes, 3 Sisters Stew. Wild Rice Pilaf, Maple Roasted Acorn Squash, Bison Chili, Peach BBQ Chicken. Garlic Scape Seasoned Potatoes and Root Vegetables. Follow Hospitality on Instagram for updates on the menu.
- Friday, August 2, 11 a.m. to approximately 2:30 p.m. (Chef’s Hall, University Centre).
Visit the Library’s Cooking Up History Exhibit
Discover what has happened in Canada’s food scene over the past 30 years at the McLaughlin Library’s Cooking Up History Exhibit. Curated by history students, the exhibit highlights the 30-year history of the Culinary Historians of Canada. To prepare this exhibit, students dove into the library’s vast Culinary Collection and interviewed chefs, cookbook writers, collectors and food activists.
The exhibit is in the library’s exhibit room on the second floor. Viewings can be arranged by contacting the library.
Bring U of G Recipes Home with the New Hospitality Cookbook
Cook up the best campus food in Canada in your own home kitchen! The new Hospitality cookbook, Flavours of Guelph: Cooking in Season, features your favourite U of G recipes such as Creelman Bake Shop’s banana bread, gingered butternut squash soup, herb-roasted chicken with honey and mustard, homemade pickles and more. Alongside the mouth-watering recipes and photography that demonstrate how to take advantage of seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, you’ll find details about the inspiration behind the recipes from U of G’s chefs. For sale now at the U of G Bookstore (in softcover and hardcover versions).
Celebrate OAC’s 150th Anniversary
This year, the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) is celebrating 150 years! Since opening their doors in May 1874, OAC has become internationally renowned for its research, teaching and knowledge extension in the broad areas of food, agriculture, communities and the environment. Learn more about how you can be part of the celebrations throughout the year.
Explore the Not Just Dirt Exhibit by OAC Alum
Check out this local exhibit that showcases fun facts about the ecosystem that supports our food system, our soil, which OAC alum Jordan Grigg helped to curate. The exhibit is available at the Wellington County Museum & Archives throughout the summer and fall.
Attend Elora’s Longest BBQ
Did you know that Food Day Canada started as the World’s Longest Barbecue, organized by Anita Stewart and supporters? Carrying on that legacy is Elora’s Longest BBQ, a vibrant celebration of community, local business, and the rich food culture that defines Centre Wellington.
- Tuesday, July 30, 4 to 9 p.m. (Mill Street, Elora ON)