Local Flavour Plus: your link to local sustainable food

Lori is the founder and President of Local Flavour Plus. Before launching LFP, she was a food policy consultant working on policy development, public outreach, marketing, and communications for campaigns that link eaters and growers in ways that address health and environmental issues. Prior to this, Lori spent 15 years as a journalist and nationally prominent broadcaster with CBC Radio. She is also the co-author of "Real Food for a Change," a Canadian bestseller that connects individual health with the health of the community, the economy, and the planet. During the 1990s, Lori was co-owner and Executive Editor of Get a Life Publishers Ltd., an environmental publishing house. Lori holds a Masters Degree from York University's Faculty of Environmental Studies where she has also taught part-time. Currently, she teaches a course in food security in the University of Toronto's Equity Studies Program. She is a member of the City of Toronto's Food Policy Council, the Laidlaw Foundation's Environment Committee, and the Ontario Minister of Agriculture’s Strategic Advisory Committee providing strategic advice and input to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Mike is the Vice President of Local Flavour Plus. He is an award-winning social entrepreneur who comes to LFP after 10 years as the co-founder of WOW Foods, a Toronto-based home delivery service for organic food that aims to build a healthy food system by linking consumers with local organic farmers. Mike was also the founder of the LETS Community Shared Agriculture project which worked to link a local organic farm with members in Toronto using a local currency and work share arrangements, as well as the co-founder of Earthdance Organics, an organic food service kitchen and bakery. Mike grew up on a conventional grain and livestock farm. He holds Bachelor Degrees in Business Administration and History, as well as a Masters Degree in History. Mike is a former member of the Toronto Food Policy Council and is active in other community and environmental efforts, including efforts to establish a local and environmental business network in the Greater Toronto Area.

Rod is the Director of Standards Development for Local Flavour Plus. He is an internationally recognized food policy analyst with 20 years experience examining how to make the transition to sustainable and health promoting food and agriculture systems, including local food systems. Rod works for NGOs attempting to influence government policy, advises governments and businesses on programme and policy design, and teaches at several universities on these subjects. Rod has written extensively in the popular and academic press and speaks regularly to audiences around North America. He was the founding Project Coordinator of the Toronto Food Policy Council which he led for 10 years. Rod holds a PhD from McGill University.

Garry is the Director of Certification Services for Local Flavour Plus. He is a professional agrologist and highly-regarded organic inspector with 20 years experience. He is certified as an auditor in on-farm food safety, HAACP, pesticide sampling, and animal welfare/livestock management. He also serves as a board member of the Independent Organic Inspectors Association and has participated in developing training programs for organic inspectors. Garry recently retired from Fleming College in Lindsay, Ontario, where he developed and taught in the Agro-ecology and Ecosystem Management Program. He is also a farmer with practical experience in livestock (dairy and beef) and crop production, including organic vegetable production. As one of the partners in Ecosystems, Etc. located in Cameron, Ontario, Garry provides education and consulting services to the organic production and processing sector. He holds a degree in Soil Science and a Masters in Adult Education.

Susan is the Director of Organizational Development for Local Flavour Plus. She comes to LFP after more than 25 years in the non-profit world, performing both direct service and organizational/managerial roles. She has experience with board development, organizational development, strategic planning, program evaluation, volunteer management, and liaising with funding bodies. Susan holds a Masters Degree in Adult Education.

Judy is the Office Manger for Local Flavour Plus. She is experienced in financial administration, preparation of funding proposals, and client relations. Following studies at Dawson College and Concordia University in Montreal, Judy moved to Toronto, where she has excelled in customer-based service and administrative roles.

Mel is the IT Specialist for Local Flavour Plus. He ensures that LFP's information systems are operating at peak efficiency. He also runs a consulting company that provides IT services for businesses of all sizes.

Working closely with Local Flavour Plus, Neglia Design provides LFP's communication and professional graphic expertise. Founded in Toronto in 1986, Neglia Design is an award-winning full-service communication and design firm known for its expertise in a full range of creative services, from branding to annual reports to web sites.