Passionate about Food and Change

"There is a crack, a crack, in everything. That’s how the light gets in." - Leonard Cohen

Have you considered the fragility of our food systems? Lately, there has been an increased awareness of the issues that have started larger conversations, and are encouraging change and collaboration. Consider some of the following:

• Food as a commodity: Are we paying the full cost of food? Who gets paid and who doesn't?

• Food Security: How can we ensure that everyone can afford nutritious food? Are corporate food donations really the answer?

• The disappearing family farm, the skyrocketing cost of land, and our aging farmer population: Who will take up the call? What skills and knowledge are we at risk of losing?

• The use of farm inputs (fertilizers and pesticides): Have we gone too far? How do we use these in ways that are smarter?

• Upwards of 30% of the food is wasted: How do we ensure that more of what is already produced makes it to the table and consumed?

• Workers (migrant and otherwise) involved in our food systems are subject to conditions that put their safety at risk: What can we do to safeguard the well-being of the people who help feed us?

• Large-scale commercial farming practices. Where do they fit in? What can we do better?

These and many other related issues are surprising thoughts that don't get discussed around the tables in most homes but have served as a wake-up call for me.

Let's Talk

I'm looking to connect with like minded-people for deep conversation, to learn more, and to start meaningful dialogues. If something you've read above resonates, there is a good chance that we can share information of mutual benefit. Here are some ways that you can reach out to me if you'd like to book time for a discussion.

Email: bonita.gionet@gmail.com

What I'm up to

• Chair, Strategy Planning Committee - (Eat Local Grey Bruce Co-op) 2021/2022

• Set up the market stand in Kincardine for a local farmer (2020)

What Drives Me

• I derive personal satisfaction from directly helping others.

• I am motivated to cause good, growth, and gain in the lives of others.

• I am insightful about the personality, intentions, emotions, ethics, values, and moods of people.

• I love sharing ideas with the intent of helping people.

• Highly collaborative, I enjoy being part of the team and contributing to the team's success.

What I bring to the table

• Experience

  • Leading Teams / Coaching / Mentoring

  • Managing Projects

  • Setting Stakeholder Expectations

  • Developing Business Relationships

  • Tracking and Reporting

• Deeply curious

• Lifelong learner

• Individual contributor / Team player

• Self-motivated

Selected Coursework

On My Bookshelf

Here's a short list of the books that have shaped my world view:

• Diet for a Small Planet by Frances Moire Lappe

• Stuffed and Starved: The Hidden Battle for the World Food System - Raj Patel

• The New Farm - Brent Preston

• The Stop: How the Fight for Good Food Transformed a Community and Inspired a Movement - Nick Saul and Andrea Curtis

• Uncertain Harvest: The Future Food on a Warming Planet - Mosby, Rotz and Fraser

• 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act: Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality - Bob Joseph

Hear Me Talk

Get in touch with me at bonita.gionet@gmail.com