Annual Report 2024
We created change in 2024 by:
In 2024, Food First NL’s work grew, expanded, and matured. We connected with new communities and strengthened our partnerships. Our social enterprises and many programs reached their third or fourth year. We hired fantastic new staff and moved into a new office and program space. All steps to sustain our work and support action on the Right to Food across the province for years to come.
Our Annual Report looks at our progress in 2024. It shares our highlights and gratitude for the folks who helped us along the way. Together, we’re building a future where everyone can eat with joy and dignity!
Reflecting on 2024
“After 3 years as Vice Chair, I stepped into the Chair role this past December at the height of monumental changes across the organization. It has been a consequential year for the board and staff and I feel privileged to lead the Board into 2025 and beyond.”
“The thing that keeps me going is the knowledge that the solutions are right there. These are problems, but they’re not mysteries. They’re also attracting a lot of attention from incredible people. I’ve never before seen so much clarity about what needs to be done.”
At Food First NL, our mission is “To advance everyone’s right to food in Newfoundland and Labrador.” Our latest Right to Food Report highlights six themes on the right to food in 2024 and what’s on our radar screen for 2025.
Funders and Donors
Adventure Canada
Arrell Institute
Basil Dobbin Family Foundation
Catherine Donnelly Foundation
Centre for Local Prosperity
City of St. John's
Common Approach to Impact Measurement
Community Food Centres Canada
Community Foundations of Canada
Conservations Corps of Newfoundland and Labrador
The Definity Insurance Foundation
ECO Canada
Farm to Cafeteria Canada
Farm Credit Canada
Food Secure 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
Isaac Operations
Medavie Foundation
Memorial University
Miranda Cobb Co-Creative
Northpine Foundation
Nourish Leadership
Pretty-Woodrow Foundation
Private Donors
Staff
Current
Joshua Smee, Chief Executive Officer
Ashton Lane, Finance and Administration Manager
Sarah Ferber, Program Manager
Heather Reid, Communications Coordinator
Kimberly Budgell, Finance and Administration Coordinator
Alison James, Program Coordinator
Ashley Byrne, Program Coordinator
Laurel Huget, Program Coordinator
Richard Butt, Program Coordinator
Sarah Crocker, Program Coordinator
Dana Marshall, Regional Food Animator
Leah Vatcher, Regional Food Animator
Les Perry, Regional Food Animator
Samantha Young, Regional Food Animator
Kerrin Rafuse, Communications Assistant
Madi Hynes, Program Assistant
Rasheed Ature, Program Assistant
Theresa Murphy, Program Assistant
Outgoing
Blake Colbran, Program Intern
Sumaiya Ahmed, 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
Janine Woodrow
Kaylee Sullivan
Rita-Anne Sheppard
Outgoing
Carolann Harding
Jamie Jackman
Melissa Caravan
Prem Nijhawan