GUELPH – A Nation’s Table: The Anita Stewart and Food Day Canada Story was unveiled at the University of Guelph Arboretum on July 25.
Panel discussions and guest speakers followed the premiere of the film that focuses on late Elora resident Anita Stewart.
The opening sequence of the film features Anita’s son Jeff Stewart grappling with the question, what is the definition of Canadian cuisine?
“It’s the people and the place. It’s the taste of place,” Jeff eventually concludes after discussing the uniqueness of Canada’s evolving food culture.
Anita, the driving force behind Food Day Canada and its initiatives, was a passionate supporter of Canadian agriculture.
Her dedication to food activism and to discovering and rejoicing in “untold stories of Canadian cuisine” were celebrated in the film.
“A Nation’s Table and Anita Stewart’s story underscore the importance of resilience and creativity in building a food system that can sustain both its people and the planet,” said Alice Raine, director of operations at the Arrell Food Institute at U of G.
The institute, in partnership with Canada Beef and Food Day Canada, worked with Ward 1 Studios to create the documentary.
Speaking at the event, Senator Rob Black said he had the privilege of collaboration with Anita on a number occasions.
“She was a wonderful person and a staunch supporter of the Canadian agriculture industry and a huge proponent of Canadian cuisine, from farm to fork,” Black said.
“Her spirit and passion for Canadian cuisine from coast to coast to coast, and for the people who grew, harvested and cooked it, was unrivalled.”
The film documents Anita’s travels across the country to discover the stories of the nation’s food producers.
As well as celebrating Anita’s work and legacy, Black said the film served as a reminder “of the ongoing work that needs to be done to support and promote our local food systems, and the need for food security.”
Jeff Stewart spoke of his mother’s legacy, noting the “grassroots movement” trended with 15 million social media impressions in 2020.
Now a national non-profit, Food Day Canada trended last year with over 220 million impressions.
“It’s all meant to engage people in this vision that mom had where we want everybody to shop and cook and dine Canadian,” Jeff said, adding Food Day Canada’s values reflect his mother’s values.
“You’ll see that in our content and our engagement. First and foremost, we celebrate all things Canadian, all local ingredients,” he said.
“We celebrate those and recognize those who feed and nourish our nation.”
Jeff also listed research and respect for the environment by focusing on “food waste and responsible resource consumption … and greening of our economies.”
He added, “We want to elevate thinking of food sovereignty and food security.”
In the film, Jeff remarked, “if we don’t have food security, how are we going to feed our nation?”
In his closing remarks at the premiere, Jeff said his mother exemplified the desire for a better world, and a better country.
The film, which drew tears and laughter from the audience at the premiere, was also shown at Elora Gorge Cinema during Elora’s Longest BBQ on July 30 as part of Food Day Canada’s launch.
Food Day Canada is nationally recognized each year on the first Saturday before the Civic Holiday.
For more information visit fooddaycanada.ca
