END HUNGER, ACHIEVE FOOD SECURITY AND IMPROVED NUTRITION, AND PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
SDG 2 focuses on ensuring access to adequate healthy food while supporting resilient agriculture practices that respect workers and the land. At the University of Waterloo, implementation of SDG 2 is reflected in academic work to develop sustainable agricultural and food distribution practices worldwide while improving the access to healthy and sustainable food choices for those in the campus community.
Resources
Our Food Future Waterloo is a joint project from the University of Waterloo and the Food System Roundtable of Waterloo Region to bring the best from research and the community to inform our path towards Food Justice in the region. The project’s intent is to support networks and coalitions within the Region of Waterloo to mobilize responses to short term and long term food systems issues through research, education and partnership-building.
The Global Food Politics Group is a diverse group of researchers based at the University of Waterloo working on projects that focus on the political, social, economic, and ecological dimensions of various global food and environmental issues. The Group’s research aims to contribute to the development of more sustainable and equitable food systems that enhance global food security.
Supported by student volunteers, the WUSA Food Support Service provides free and confidential assistance to members of the campus community who are experiencing hunger. The service collects food and hygiene products through donation bins and runs events and other activities to raise awareness of hunger-related issues.
Local Produce
University of Waterloo runs multiple programs to connect the campus community with nutritious, affordable local food. The UW Farm Market, run by Food Services, brings fresh produce from local farmers at fair prices, with pop-up booths throughout the Fall term. In addition, the University in 2024 launched the onsite Food Garden to provide employees and staff access to plots of land to grow their own food.
Food Services is proud to offer fresh, house-made, delicious food curated by Red Seal chefs, all while supporting the community by sourcing local and sustainable food choices, including Marine Stewardship Council certified seafood, Fair Trade coffee, and plant-forward options. Through their 'Farm to Campus Fresh' program, they support over 75 local farmers. Food Services also has a registered dietitian on staff to support the campus community in making informed and nutritious choices.
Ecological Agriculture in China
The Ecological Agriculture in China group works in collaboration with Chinese universities to support a sustainable food system in China. This includes the expansion of ecological farming, the emergence of ecological farmers' markets, community supported agriculture farms and buying clubs, and many other initiatives addressing the food security and food safety concerns of Chinese citizens.
The Agricultural Water Futures aims to determine how Canadian agriculture and food production systems can best respond to risk and uncertainty associated with current and future climatic and socio-economic stressors. The research group identifies and assesses appropriate agricultural activities, beneficial management practices, and governance arrangements related to water quantity and quality that will ensure sustainable food supplies, healthy ecosystems, and an economically strong agricultural community.