Maple Leaf Foods awarded Paul Mistele Memorial Award

The 2024 Paul Mistele Memorial Award was presented to Maple Leafs Foods by Feed Ontario.

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Named for the late farm leader who founded Ontario Pork’s Donate-A-Hog program in 1998, the Paul Mistele Memorial Award recognizes agricultural partners who have shown a significant and enduring commitment to ending hunger in Ontario. The award was accepted by Kelly Gubesch from Maple Leaf. Maple Leaf was chosen for its partnership in integrating the Ontario Chicken Program through their new London-based production.

Feed Ontario’s CEO, Carolyn Stewart, said in a release Maple Leaf Foods has provided 210,000 lbs of freshly processed, tray packed chicken to Feed Ontario member food banks across the province this year, “contributing to an astounding 10 million servings since the program began in 2015.”

Sarah Stern, director, Community Involvement, Maple Leaf Foods and executive director, Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security, said the centre has been working to address and reduce food insecurity in Ontario and across Canada since 2016. “We are committed to supporting communities and advocating for policy changes to make food security a reality for as many Canadians as possible.”

The award was presented during the 17th annual Harvest Gala hosted by Farm and Food Care Ontario Nov. 28. in Guelph. The event welcomed 240 farmers, agribusiness leaders, and supporters of Farm and Food Care Ontario, all gathering to celebrate Ontario’s agriculture and food sector while raising funds to support the charity’s outreach initiatives.
Joining FFCO friends and supporters was Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Rob Flack and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness John Jordan. In addressing the crowd, Minister Flack spoke about Farm & Food Care’s commitment to building partnerships while raising awareness about food and farming in Ontario.