Our Mission
Eden Food for Change is committed to increasing access to good food in a dignified manner, developing food skills to encourage healthy eating and empowering the community through education, outreach and advocacy.
Our mission
Eden Food for Change is committed to increasing access to good food in a dignified manner, developing food skills to encourage healthy eating and empowering the community through education, outreach and advocacy.
Our Story
In 1989, a few members of Eden United Church noticed there were hungry families in their church and in the community. It was in the fall of this same year that an informal food bank began. A place where people would donate food and hungry families could access food. In the spring of 1990 this became an official program at the church.
As time went on this volunteer-run program continued to grow and in 2002, Eden Food Bank was incorporated and became an officially registered charity. While it continued to run out of Eden United Church, Eden Food Bank was now its own organization.
And still it grew, both in need and in donations, to the point that volunteers were overwhelmed and the organization considering closing. Instead, 2005 was time for the first paid employee, and a part-time manager was hired. By the end of the year there were two part-time employees.
Initially serving Meadowvale, Eden Food Bank grew to serve the L5N and L5M postal codes. In 2007 our name was changed to Eden Community Food Bank to better reflect who we were.
Desiring to better serve the community, Eden expanded to a second location on Unity Drive in 2009 to provide food for people residing in the L5L and L5K postal codes. In 2010 we hired our first Executive Director to help increase Eden’s impact in the community and better engage with supporters.
Our Community Learning Kitchen initiative began in 2011 and was officially launched in 2013. It provides cooking classes for food bank recipients based around the types of food they receive from us. The kitchen also provides the opportunity for volunteers to help prepare nutritious food to be cooked, portioned, and packaged for distribution through the food bank.
In the spring of 2014, we adapted again to meet the needs of our community and announced a transition away from the stereotypical food bank model of food collection and distribution to a community food centre model that better responds to the needs of hungry families taking a more relational, long-term and sustainable approach. This change encompasses our desire to help provide food for hungry people, be a place for our entire community to access nutritious food and food skills and to provide opportunities to learn more about good, healthy food. Serving all of western Mississauga, Eden Food for Change is committed to working to provide GOOD FOOD FOR ALL!
And still it grew, both in need and in donations, to the point that volunteers were overwhelmed and the organization considering closing. Instead, 2005 was time
Our Story
In 1989, a few members of Eden United Church noticed there were hungry families in their church and in the community. It was in the fall of this same year that an informal food bank began. A place where people would donate food and hungry families could access food. In the spring of 1990 this became an official program at the church.
As time went on this volunteer-run program continued to grow and in 2002, Eden Food Bank was incorporated and became an officially registered charity. While it continued to run out of Eden United Church, Eden Food Bank was now its own organization.
And still it grew, both in need and in donations, to the point that volunteers were overwhelmed and the organization considering closing. Instead, 2005 was time for the first paid employee, and a part-time manager was hired. By the end of the year there were two part-time employees.
Initially serving Meadowvale, Eden Food Bank grew to serve the L5N and L5M postal codes. In 2007 our name was changed to Eden Community Food Bank to better reflect who we were.
Desiring to better serve the community, Eden expanded to a second location on Unity Drive in 2009 to provide food for people residing in the L5L and L5K postal codes. In 2010 we hired our first Executive Director to help increase Eden’s impact in the community and better engage with supporters.
Our Community Learning Kitchen initiative began in 2011 and was officially launched in 2013. It provides cooking classes for food bank recipients based around the types of food they receive from us. The kitchen also provides the opportunity for volunteers to help prepare nutritious food to be cooked, portioned, and packaged for distribution through the food bank.
In the spring of 2014, we adapted again to meet the needs of our community and announced a transition away from the stereotypical food bank model of food collection and distribution to a community food centre model that better responds to the needs of hungry families taking a more relational, long-term and sustainable approach. This change encompasses our desire to help provide food for hungry people, be a place for our entire community to access nutritious food and food skills and to provide opportunities to learn more about good, healthy food. Serving all of western Mississauga, Eden Food for Change is committed to working to provide GOOD FOOD FOR ALL!
And still it grew, both in need and in donations, to the point that volunteers were overwhelmed and the organization considering closing. Instead, 2005 was time
SPRING 1990
Members of Eden United Church notice an increase of food insecure families in their local community and start an informal food pantry.
SPRING 1990
The food bank becomes an offcial program of the church
2002
This volunteer-run program is incorporated and becomes an officially registered charity separate from Eden United Church.
The Food Bank is overwhelmed by the need in the community and lack of donations. Volunteers contemplate shutting down.
2005
Part time staff are officially hired to help run the organization and handle community demand.
The Food Bank expands its service area beyond Meadowvale to include L5N & L5M postal codes.
2007
Name changed to Eden Community Food Bank
2009
The Unity Drive location is opened to serve the L5L postal code.
2010
First Executive Director is hired
2011
The organization intentionally focused on providing fresh food through the Food Bank.
2013
Learning Kitchen officially launched
Spring 2014
New Vision & Mission statements announced
Eden Food Bank officially becomes a Good Food Organization in alliance with the Community Food Centres Canada.
May 27, 2015
New name and logo to better reflect all the work we do
Peter Costello
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
peter@www.edenffc.org
Peter became the Director of Operations for the Community Learning Kitchen in 2013 and Executive Director in early 2020. He spent many years in the food service industry having worked at prestigious establishments such as Langdon Hall and Sooke Harbour House. Previously, Peter and his family lived and worked in China, where they spent their weekends volunteering in orphanages. He has a passion to see people living in poverty eating healthy, nutritious meals and enjoys teaching good kitchen and nutrition skills to everyone. Peter, his wife and three children enjoy camping and outdoor sports and he also likes organic gardening and European sports cars.
Deborah Kühnen
FOOD BANK MANAGER
deb@www.edenffc.org
Deb volunteered at Eden Food for Change for 10 years in many roles before joining the team as Food Bank Manager in July of 2020. Deb believes that everyone who walks through our doors deserves to be served with compassion, dignity and respect. Deb is a true foodie and enjoys spending her time off visiting new restaurants, cooking a variety of cuisines and spending quality time with her family.
Sharon Austin
OFFICE MANAGER
sharon@www.edenffc.org
Sharon is our Office Manager. She brings a high level of expertise to this position. Sharon has over 30 years of non-profit experience in the areas of housing, social services and literacy programs. Sharon’s passion is to help those who are less fortunate in the community. When Sharon is not busy with work she enjoys being with friends and family, Sharon has spent many years volunteering in her community.
Naz Zarifian
COMMUNICATIONS ADVISOR
naz@www.edenffc.org
Naz has been with Eden Food for Change since joining the Board of Directors as Secretary in 2013. Previous to joining the board, Naz has worked on various initiatives including the Federal Election campaign. She travelled abroad to earn her Masters degree at the University of Sydney in International Studies & Human Rights and has experience working for different nonprofits throughout the years. Naz enjoys combining her passion for technology and Eden Food for Change through community engagement, communications, and managing our online platforms.
Chris Szypulewski
OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR
chris@www.edenffc.org
Chris began working as the Operations Supervisor in 2009. He enjoys this position because it keeps him busy while continually providing rewarding challenges. It also allows Chris the reassuring feeling that he is actually accomplishing something for other people. While Chris’ role has him driving around a lot, he enjoys the teamwork atmosphere provided by the close-knit staff. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids and is a WWII history buff.
Ahmed Mirza
FOOD ACCESS COORDINATOR
mercy@www.edenffc.org
Ahmed joined Eden as the Food Access Coordinator in April of 2023. He has several years of experience working in agriculture and food security and arrived to Eden via Peel Region’s Food Policy Council. Ahmed believes access to healthy clean food is a human right and is passionate about bringing that belief to Eden. He is an active part of the community, enjoys helping others and working on new projects.
Sarah Goncalves
FOOD ACCESS & VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
naz@www.edenffc.org
Sarah joined the Eden team as the Food Access and Volunteer Coordinator in April of 2023. She graduated as a Social Service Worker after a lifelong passion for helping people in need. Sarah is a strong advocate for families in our community struggling with mental health and food insecurity. When not at work, Sarah loves spending time with her child, traveling, baking, and listening to True Crime podcasts.
Ahmed Mirza
FOOD ACCESS COORDINATOR
chris@www.edenffc.org
Ahmed joined Eden as the Food Access Coordinator in April of 2023. He has several years of experience working in agriculture and food security and arrived to Eden via Peel Region’s Food Policy Council. Ahmed believes access to healthy clean food is a human right and is passionate about bringing that belief to Eden. He is an active part of the community, enjoys helping others and working on new projects.
mercy@www.edenffc.org
Eden Food for Change’s Board of Directors is made up of volunteers from a cross section of professions and life experiences within the community. Each Board member is concerned about hunger and poverty and passionate about the work of EFFC to respond to the needs of hungry families. Board members leverage their skills, experience and network to advance the cause. The Board is responsible for the organization overall and ensures that the organization is accomplishing its goals and objectives based on the vision and mission. The Board of Directors meet monthly.
Ruchika Khanna
PRESIDENT
jeff@www.edenffc.org
Ruchika brings over 25 years’ experience managing complex portfolios in areas of corporate governance, human resources, and legal affairs. Ruchika’s experience includes multiple senior executive roles in various industries such as media entertainment as well as immigration and employment staffing. Currently, she holds the title of Director, ER Policy and Governance at one of Canada’s largest and most respected pension plans. Her experience spans from managing portfolios at the intersection of the HR and legal departments. Throughout her career, Ruchika has lead a number of initiatives in several committees including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Policy, ESG, Women’s Groups- Building Confidence, and Mentorship. Ruchika enjoys cooking, creating art, and volunteering.
Diana Li
VICE PRESIDENT
imran@www.edenffc.org
Diana joined the Board of Directors in June 2024. Diana currently works for the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services. She has spent 18 years in the not-for-profit sector working as a clinician and operational leader in developmental services. Diana enjoys giving back to her community and is involved with initiatives focused on community development, education, and mental health. At home, Diana is a wife and mother of three, a DIY enthusiast and her hobbies include baking, cooking, party planning, and personal wellness. She is excited to bring her professional knowledge and personal passion to support the vision of EFFC.
Shakira Scaini
SECRETARY
paula@www.edenffc.org
Shakira Scaini joined the Board of Directors as Secretary in May of 2024. She graduated with an engineering degree from the University of Waterloo and has experience working in the tech industry as a software engineer. She is involved with groups including Youthfully which focus on uplifting and mentoring students transitioning to university. She is passionate about reading, travelling, and contributing to impact-driven initiatives.
Greg Mounsey
jeff@www.edenffc.org
Greg Mounsey and his family have lived in Mississauga for over 20 years. He has spent many years as a community volunteer, spending his time as a soccer, baseball and hockey coach. A seasoned commercial real estate broker with more than 25 years in brokerage, leasing and property management, Greg’s entrepreneurial spirit keeps him actively engaged in the business community. Greg has been an active member with Eden Food For Change since 2018, serving in fundraising and operational capacities.
Imran Hasan
imran@www.edenffc.org
Imran Hasan is President at Transglobal Systems Of Canada (TSOC), a second-generation family-owned business in the Telecom sector founded in Mississauga-Streetsville (1983). Imran is passionate about connecting with people through volunteer roles including past chair at Mississauga Board Of Trade. Imran believes in supporting local businesses and building stronger communities. The contributions to business and community are only secondary to his priority to family. Imran married the love of his life in (2001) and together they proudly live, work and raise (2) children + (2) cats in the Mississauga-Streetsville neighbourhood.
David Jack
paula@www.edenffc.org
David is a retired educator having served the Peel District School Board in several school and district leadership positions. Post-retirement, David worked with the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association as the research lead in a number of teacher recruitment and retention studies. David has been volunteering with Eden since 2021 at both foodbank sites and the kitchen, currently leads the recently formed Volunteer Committee and sits on the Operations and Technology Committee. In his spare time, David enjoys cycling, kayaking, music, cooking, volunteering at Pearson Airport, and lots of family stuff. David joined the Board of Directors in May 2025.
Leanne De Souza-Kenney MSc, PhD
chuck@www.edenffc.org
Leanne is an Assistant Professor of Global and Public Health at the University of Toronto. Leanne founded the non-profit, Nutrition and Food Literacy Canada that works to bring nutrition and food literacy into K-12 school curriculum and the surrounding community. Leanne’s work with community centers around food justice and support for children and families. Leanne will work closely with the Eden team to help bridge the connection between Eden and local schools and school boards to share education about the work of Eden and the role of food banks in communities.
Ellen Morita
shawn@www.edenffc.org
Ellen joined the Eden Food for Change Board of Directors in October 2025 and serves on the HR and Nominating & Governance Committees.
Through her company, Verdigris Coaching and Consulting, Ellen has spent the past decade supporting organizations as they grow their leadership, team, and communication capacity. Before that, she built a 20-year career in wealth management, leading teams in a variety of roles.
Ellen has called Mississauga home for 25 years, where she lives with her husband and two sons. A lifelong love of food – not just for nourishment, but to connect people and strengthen community – made Eden’s mission a natural fit and inspires her involvement on the board.
Paramveer Kainth
paramveer@www.edenffc.org
Paramveer Kainth joined the Board of Directors in 2020 and is a member of the Finance Committee. He holds the CPA designation and is currently working at CIBC as a Senior Manager. He has been working in the Accounting and Finance sector managing various teams within Capital Markets. He is passionate about travelling, playing sports, and volunteering with organizations such as Eden Food For Change that support local communities.
Laura Frith
TREASURER
laura@www.edenffc.org
Laura Frith joined the Board of Directors of Eden Food for Change in July 2020 and has served as Treasurer since 2022. She also leads the organization’s Finance Committee, providing strategic oversight and ensuring the sound management of financial resources.
Laura holds a Bachelor of Science in Life Science and an MBA in Accounting and Finance from McMaster University. After completing her studies, she moved to Mississauga to pursue a career in public accounting, where she has worked for the past 15 years.
Now well established in her profession, Laura is committed to giving back to her community through her work with Eden Food for Change. She is passionate about using her financial expertise to support local efforts to reduce food insecurity and believes that access to nutritious food is a fundamental right for all.
Ivanna Ramnath
diana@www.edenffc.org
Ivanna is a marketing professional with over a decade of experience in product marketing, digital analytics, and web merchandising. She currently works in product marketing at Mary Kay Canada.
She is driven by a deep passion for community and a desire to make a meaningful impact in Mississauga. She brings a strategic lens and creative energy to support Eden’s mission. Ivanna enjoys travelling with her husband and daughter, diving into home DIY and interior design projects, and exploring wellness in all its forms.
Sanjay Ghaness
sanjay@www.edenffc.org
Sanjay joined the Eden Board of Directors in the Summer of 2022 as a member of the HR Committee. He brings almost 7 years of experience in the Human Resources field with a specialization in Talent Acquisition and Retention. He currently works for one of Canada’s largest home care providers, servicing the most vulnerable in Mississauga and the Halton Regions. As a food enthusiast, he understands the importance of ensuring that every individual has access to sustainable meals and products and is committed to the well-being of all at Eden. He enjoys the great outdoors, and is always looking for his next adventure.
Philip Ip
philip@www.edenffc.org
Philip was born in Mauritius before moving to Canada. He continued his career in Finance, and accounting and has worked for over 30 years as a Controller at Geismar Canada; a global manufacturing and distribution company of maintenance equipment and service tools for the railway business. He was also appointed corporate director and company secretary of the Canadian division before retiring in September 2021.
He has lived in Mississauga for 36 years with his wife and two children. They enjoy swimming, travelling, BBQing and spending quality time with family and friends. He is excited to give back to his community through Eden Food For Change.
ruchika@www.edenffc.org