Janet Music researches how food circulates in our society from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders, including consumers, start-ups, farmers and policymakers.
“Food is a right to life, but also plays a big role in our lives as celebration, financial burden, emotional crutch and employment.”
@janetlmusic
The long cold months of winter in Canada can be difficult for many people. Seasonal affective disorder, mobility issues over icy or snowy terrain or just plain aversion to the wind chill can bring people down. One of the most beloved features of late fall and winter is a hot beverage. Whether you are partial […]
The arrival of October marks a busy time for one of Canada’s most important community rituals, Halloween, and food is front and centre. Pumpkins are carved, gourds are used as decorations and of course candy is eagerly anticipated by young and old alike. Ask any child and they will regale you with stories about their […]
Recently, the Toronto Star featured an article about the displacement of the Swansea Mews residents, crumbling infrastructure and life dependent on community housing. It’s a disturbing example of the failures of government, and the meaning of the community, of people who turned concrete into homes. Mentioned almost immediately is the loss an impacted resident felt […]
Recently, the Globe and Mail ran an article about the red-hot market for grocery delivery. In their quest to be the next big thing, some entrepreneurs see an opportunity in very quick grocery delivery, but with surging inflation and a looming recession, this is likely less an opportunity for innovation and more of demonstration of […]
Food policy is rarely exciting enough to be included in a political platform or election campaign. Indeed, in the last Nova Scotia election, the Progressive Conservatives made an offhand commitment to “develop a provincial food strategy and support consumption of local food”. As election promises go, this one would likely not be top of mind […]
The late aughts brought forth a new type of gastronomic tourism. Burger Week became an attractive incentive to appeal to casual and upscale diners alike. It’s not a coincidence that hamburgers have a theme week all to themselves. Versatile, easy to prepare, adaptable and, most importantly, delicious, the burger is staple of North American cuisine. […]
Household and community food gardens grew in popularity during the first wave of COVID-19. While citizen-driven food production is often dismissed as a hobby, there is a real opportunity for gardening to become a staple of urban life. For local governments, the promotion and support of gardening, on private and public land, is more important […]
This article was originally published on The Conversation Canada on April 5, 2022. It was authored by Janet Music and Sylvain Charlebois, Director, Agri-Food Analytics Lab, Professor in Food Distribution and Policy, Dalhousie University Food prices in Canada continue to soar in the face of labour shortages, the rising cost of goods and supply chain […]
Grocery flyers have overlooked value. They can greatly improve food security, and with a few adjustments, improve health. It’s time to reconsider – and update – what some people consider a household nuisance. The cost of food affects us all. Many essentials, including meat, dairy and fresh produce have jumped in price by at least […]
