Jody Mitchell Email & Phone Number

Victoria, British Columbia

Thunder Bay, Ontario

Conducted collaborative action research project across 3 regions in Ontario to identify challenges and test solutions to increase local food procurement in Ontario high schools. Managed project in partnership with provincial leads, including reports, publications, video production, and knowledge mobilization through webinars and conference presentations. Worked collaboratively with school administrators, teachers and students to establish and grow productive food gardens and build greenhouses at 2 high schools. Supported teachers and students as they developed capacity to manage gardens and use produce in foods classes and cafeteria programs.

Facilitated Urban Youth Farming and Academic Year Programs for youth aged 15-18 to gain skills and build community on farms, in kitchens and at farmers markets; managed program budgets and staff teams as well as a ¼ acre urban farm. Developed program evaluation tools and strategies to inform youth employment program design and delivery.Researched and visited over 12 social purpose farms in Canada and the United States to develop a set of best practices for youth development and employment organizations operating farm businesses as a social enterprise.

Thunder Bay, Ontario

Improved access to local and sustainable foods at Lakehead through developing Campus Gardens and Market programs; participated in the Food Service Contract RFP process, advocating successfully for local food procurement and other sustainability initiatives to be included in the new food service contract.Facilitated community service learning research project with 3rd year Water Resource Management students to determine potential sites where bottled water could be removed from vending machines on Lakehead University campus. Engaged with Lakehead University stakeholders to advocate for divesting the University’s endowment fund from the top 200 fossil fuel companies, using research, conversations, presentations, and non-violent direct action to raise awareness and educate stakeholders about the case for divestment.

• Collaborated with FAN and the TBDHU to mobilize community stakeholders to implement the Thunder Bay Food Charter, create a healthy school nutrition environment in schools. • Co-facilitated initial Healthy Eating Makes the Grade partnership meeting; approx. 50 stakeholders dialogue and establish the vision for HEMG partnership outcomes• Coordinated fresh food box subscription program in collaboration with 35 host sites and over 25 volunteers; facilitate packing of approximately 300 boxes/month• Conducted survey of Customers (n=159) Host sites (n=27) and Volunteers (n=15) and analysed data to greater understand impact of GFB program in the community• Organized Locally Grown Good Food Box Fundraiser (July-October) for over 100 customers, raising over $4000 in 2011• Prepared monthly reports to the GFB and NOWC board of Directors; collaborated on funding proposals, reports, and financial tracking of various projects

o Developed and implemented the Outdoor Leadership Development Program at McMaster o Instructed certification courses in canoe tripping, risk management, and trip planning o Planed and led advanced canoeing and hiking trips in Ontario, Alberta, and the Grand Canyon o Assisted with budget planning, spending, and reporting for Outdoor Recreation trips and courses

Master Of Education (Med), Sustainability Studies

Activities and Societies: Member of the Centre for Place and Sustainability Studies

Bachelor'S Of Education, Outdoor, Experiential And Ecological Education

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.) Hon, English, Cultural Studies & Critical Theory

Activities and Societies: McMaster Outdoor Club