Annual Report 2025
We created change in 2025 by:
In 2025, our staff worked hard to grow our social enterprises, transition into new program phases, build our advocacy work, and more. We have a lot to report on! And as we reflected on last year’s work, we also reflected on our vision.
Food First NL’s vision is a province where everyone can eat with joy and dignity. But it’s not just about eating. It’s also about acquiring food with joy and dignity. Preparing food with joy and dignity. Sharing food with joy and dignity.
We weave these aspects into every program. They bring definition to the future we are creating together. A future that is shaped by care, dedication, and a firm belief in the right to food for all.
Reflecting on 2025
“In reflecting on 2025, the Board recognizes countless achievements for which we are deeply proud and grateful. What stands out most is partnership… partnership has always been at the heart of Food First NL’s work, and many of the successes we saw this year reflect exactly what our founders envisioned…”
“That ethic of care is what sits underneath everything you’ll read about in this report — and there’s a lot to read about. The output, and more importantly, the impact of this team has never been bigger. I also think it tells a story about what a new vision of our food system can look like…”
“Looking at all the surprises from last year reminds us that it’s impossible to predict what will happen with our food systems. That said, we can clearly see some things coming that are likely to be big drivers of change in 2026.”
Funders and Donors
Adventure Canada
Catherine Donnelly Foundation
City of St. John's
Common Approach to Impact Measurement
Definity Foundation
Right to Food
ECO Canada
Farm to Cafeteria Canada
Farm Credit Canada
Government of Canada: Public Health Agency of Canada
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development
Department of Health and Community Services
Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
Grant Thorton
Medavie Foundation
Memorial University
NL Health Services
Northpine Foundation
Nourish Leadership
Pretty-Woodrow Foundation
Public Service Alliance of Canada
Private Donors
RBC Foundation
Wellness Coalition Avalon-East
Staff
Joshua Smee, Chief Executive Officer
Ashton Lane, Finance and Administration Manager
Sarah Crocker, Social Enterprises Manager
Sarah Ferber, Program Manager
Heather Reid, Communications Coordinator
Kimberly Budgell, Finance and Administration Coordinator
Theresa Murphy, Finance and Administration Coordinator
Alison James, Program Coordinator
Ashley Byrne, Program Coordinator
Laurel Huget, Program Coordinator
Les Perry, Program Coordinator
Richard Butt, Program Coordinator
Samantha Young, Program Coordinator
Vicki Axford, Program Coordinator
Charlotte Leese, Regional Food Animator
Dana Marshall, Regional Food Animator
Leah Vatcher, Regional Food Animator
Meghan Salter, Regional Food Animator
Kerrin Rafuse, Communications Assistant
Jayasuriyan Rajendran, Program Assistant
Madi Hynes, Program Assistant
Outgoing
Abdul-Rasheed Abubakari Ature, Program Assistant
Mohammad Nazrul Islam, Program Assistant
Mark Saunders, Program Intern
Board of Directors
Current
Andre Myers, Chair
Greg Noseworthy, Secretary
Brian Butt, Treasurer
Betty Lundrigan
Deborah Coombs
Florence Gushue
Hannah Buckle
Ivan White
Kaylee Sullivan
Rita-Anne Sheppard
Outgoing
Carolann Harding
Janine Woodrow