Elora’s Anita Stewart has built a career promoting the value of Canada’s food culture and culinary heritage, with a keen desire to preserve its future.
Excelling in her field, Stewart can now add another accolade. The University of Guelph has appointed Stewart as its first Food Laureate, the University’s honorary food ambassador charged with providing advocacy and leadership and promoting initiatives.
It’s believed to be the first such position in the world.
“This historic appointment is a significant step towards strengthening U of G’s reputation as ‘Canada’s food university’,” president Alastair Summerlee said in a press release.
“We are known internationally as the place for food research, teaching and technology, but our contributions to the culinary life of Canada needed to be more widely touted. Having a Food Laureate will allow the university to engage people across the country and strengthen our profile and support.”
For Stewart, a longtime supporter of the university, the honour is an important one, as it validates the culinary activism that she has worked to promote.
“Allistair believes in me, which is really important,” said Stewart. “He knows that being first is really important.”
In accepting the honorary appointment, Stewart said: “My goal is to continue to explore how U of G has set our national and international tables with both talent and ingredients. And while I’m at it, I intend to recognize some very real culinary heroes whom all of Canada can celebrate.”
Stewart credits the support of Rob Gordon, dean of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC), and associate dean of external relations with OAC Rene Van Acker, along with Julia Christensen Hughes, dean of the College of Management and Economics (CME).
“I have known Rene for a long time. And Rob and Julia have been pushing to have this moved forward for years,” said Stewart. “But it wouldn’t have happened without the blessing of the president.”
The collaboration of these departments within the university inspires Stewart’s plans in her new ambassador role.
“It’s great that they are collaborating, that the food Rob’s researchers are working on will be used in the college of economics,” Stewart said.
During her two-year appointment, Stewart will report jointly to the deans of OAC and CME.
“We hope to promote the exchange of new ideas, innovations and information,” Summerlee said.
Said Stewart, “The University of Guelph is Canada’s food university, no question. It [this role] just seems absolutely right; it is just the right fit.” She added, “I want to be inclusive as a Food Laureate,” noting that because of the “silo of food research” there is a funding fight to get things moved forward, and cooperation and shared resources is key.
Stewart knows well how to get things moving ahead. She has a list of professional accolades that include having authored or co-authored 14 books, a feat accomplished after being the first Canadian to earn a master of arts in gastronomy.
Her consultation with government organizations such as Agri-Food Canada, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Canadian and Ontario Tourism Commissions has helped promote her message of the importance of Canadian food and agriculture.
Her regular appearances on CBC Radio and in national magazines has brought that message into the homes of Canadians from coast to coast, allowing communities to celebrate their unique culinary flavours set at the national table.
Stewart founded Cuisine Canada to promote the growth and study of Canadian food culture and was the founder of Food Day Canada, a national event that evolved from her World’s Longest Barbecue in 2003 intended to support Canadian farmers after that year’s BSE crisis.
Stewart’s relationship with the university includes creating a food inventory and preparing a special menu for the 125th anniversary of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) in 1999. She also helped launch its Good Food Innovation Awards in 2010 to recognize restaurants showing culinary creativity with local ingredients. The CME awarded her an honorary degree in 2011.
Recently, Stewart received the Order of Canada. And last Monday, she was inducted into the Taste Canada Hall of Fame.
Though she was excited about the recognition, Stewart was quick to point out that fellow Elora writer Margo Oliver, who passed away in 2010, was posthumously inducted too.
“Margo was a lovely person and a fabulous cook,” Stewart said.
As Food Laureate, Stewart will promote U of G’s culinary contributions to Canada by refining the food inventory, developing public awareness campaigns, organizing events and strengthening connections between producers and consumers.
“I look forward to renovating the food inventory for the university, to see who is doing what in food,” Stewart said, adding this is just one of the projects on her list, with Food Day Canada a priority too.
“I also hope to manage the Good Food Innovation Award, recognizing some of Canada’s top chefs,” Stewart said.
Looking forward to making new connections and promoting the university’s food initiatives, Stewart is excited about the Canadian food and agricultural industry as a whole.
“I am really looking forward to the next ten years,” she said.
