Dr. Valerie Tarasuk, Professor Emerita in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Toronto, and principal investigator of PROOF has been named a member of the Order of Canada for her research leadership and contributions to advancing evidence-based policy interventions to household food insecurity. The Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System. Presented by the governor general, it recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Since its creation in 1967—Canada’s centennial year—more than 7 600 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order. The contributions of these trailblazers are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country. Their grit and passion inspire us, teach us and show us the way forward. They exemplify the Order’s motto: DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (“They desire a better country”).
Join us in congratulating Dr. Tarasuk on this tremendous recognition!
As part of CBC The Current’s annual Order of Canada interviews, Dr. Tarasuk spoke with Matt Galloway on how her start in the field was motivated by the early rise of food charity in Toronto during a time of significant cuts to social assistance, how the current record food insecurity is the result of a lack of leadership and accountability around ensuring Canadians have enough money for the necessities, and the need for dedicated strategies and targets that address food insecurity and the underlying income inadequacy and instability specifically.
