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.
Mercy Okundaye
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & EVENT MANAGER
mercy@www.edenffc.org
Mercy joined Eden Food for Change as the Events Manager, bringing her years of experience with the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, where she served on their Post Pregnancy Family Planning Project, and developed knowledge platforms, engaged advocacy groups, organized numerous key project events, and built partnerships.
Mercy has expertise in program operations and delivery, event coordination, community engagement, developing working partnerships, and stakeholder relations. During her time off, she enjoys cooking, travelling, and spending quality time with her family.
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.
Jeff Miller
PRESIDENT
jeff@www.edenffc.org
Jeff Miller joined the Board of Directors in May of 2017. He has spent his career in commercial real estate and is currently Head of Industrial for Oxford Properties Group (OMERS Pension Fund) where he is responsible for all aspects of Oxford’s industrial business, including the strategy, team and portfolio across North America. Jeff currently sits on the board for IDI Logistics and the Real Estate Program Advisory Board for the University of Guelph. He has lived in Meadowvale for over 25 years with his wife and three children.
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.
Ruchika Khanna
VICE PRESIDENT
paula@www.edenffc.org
Ruchika brings over 25 years of experience managing complex portfolios in areas of corporate governance, human resources, and legal affairs. Currently, she holds the title of Executive Director at Cineplex, Canada’s leading media and entertainment company and one of Canada’s most admired workplaces. In addition, Ruchika sits and leads several initiatives in several committees including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Policy Committee, ESG- Corporate Governance Lead, and Employee Resource Group- Women’s Chapter – Building Confidence (Lead) and Mentorship Group (Mentor). Ruchika enjoys cooking, creating art, and volunteering.
Shakira Scaini
SECRETARY
jeff@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.
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.
Paula Brundia
paula@www.edenffc.org
Paula joined the Board of Directors in June 2020. She spent her career working in the Healthcare sector and recently retired as the Manager of Human Resources for the GTA Branch of Bayshore Home Care Solutions. Prior to her retirement, she and her family lived in the Meadowvale area for 32 years before relocating to Dorset, Ontario. In retirement, Paula continues to work passionately toward eliminating food insecurity in her local community and recently took on a new challenge as Food Bank Coordinator for The Table Foodbank and Soup Kitchen in Huntsville, Ontario
Chuck Stobie
chuck@www.edenffc.org
Chuck joined the Board of Directors in May 2017. Chuck retired in 2018. Prior to his retirement, he practiced law as a commercial real estate lawyer for 37 years. He was born and raised in Mississauga, is married and has two daughters. His past community involvement includes participation in a hot breakfast program in the Acorn community in Mississauga as well as sitting on the Board of Directors for Youth Without Shelter in Etobicoke.
Shawn Cruz
shawn@www.edenffc.org
Shawn Cruz joined the board of directors in June 2024. He is a senior consultant at a national public affairs firm, working with clients across sectors to achieve their advocacy objectives. He previously worked in the Government of Ontario in an issues management and media relations role, and before that, led government relations efforts at his undergraduate student association, representing over 18,000 students. He is proud to be a long-time Meadowvale resident.
Paramveer Kainth
paramveer@www.edenffc.org
Paramveer Kainth joined the Board of Directors in July of 2020 and is a member of the Finance Committee. He is currently a Manager at RBC Capital Markets, where he leads a team that manages risk for Canadian and U.S. clients. For the past 5 years, he has been working in the Accounting and Finance sector and is also pursuing his CPA designation. 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 joined the board in July 2020 and serves on the Finance Committee. After graduating from McMaster University with a Bachelors of Science in Life Science and an MBA in Accounting and Finance, she moved to Mississauga to pursue a career in public accounting where she has worked for the last 8 years. Having established her career, she seeks to give back to her community through Eden Food For Change.
Serena Biesinger
diana@www.edenffc.org
Serena joined the Board of Directors in October of 2022. Her career is within the project management space, managing a team while implementing total talent programs with Allegis Global Solutions. Through her company, Serena has become involved with supporting Eden in a variety of ways; events like Brunch with Santa, CNOY, Taste of Eden, as well as food sorting and cooking/groups in the kitchen.
She currently lives in Meadowvale with her boyfriend and daughter. When Serena isn’t working or ‘momming’, she is out dancing salsa and bachata or finding new recipes to try. She is passionate about giving back to her community, impacting others and finding ways to bring joy.
Sanjay Ghaness
sanjay@www.edenffc.org
Sanjay joined the Eden board in 2022 as a member of the HR Committee. After graduating from Sheridan with a specialization in HR he has been focused on recruitment initiatives for Bayshore Healthcare. He has always found time to volunteer and looks forward to contributing his time and knowledge to Eden
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.
Michele Childs
ruchika@www.edenffc.org
Michele joined the Board of Directors of Eden in May 2022. She retired from a career in Technology from CIBC were she worked for 26 years in senior technology delivery roles in the payment space . Prior to CIBC Michele covered a variety of industries such as Retail, Manufacturing, Banking and Outsourcing with IBM and always in the Technology sector.
Michele lives in Mississauga and has 2 daughters and 2 grandchildren. Michele is actively involved with Eden volunteering 2 days and week and participating in all the social activities such as Taste of Eden and Breakfast with Santa. She has a dog named Quinn and enjoys getting her 10K steps in per day with her.
Leanne De Souza-Kenney MSc, PhD
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.