Victoria Ross

Jamie's Bio

Jamie Gervais Rietveld is a passionate advocate for food literacy and positive societal impact. With a degree in Nutrition and Food Science from the University of Alberta, Jamie focused in nutraceuticals, complimenting earlier studies in dietetics at Southeast Missouri State University.

In response to a corporate takeover, Jamie founded FoodImpact, an initiative that delivered nutrition and food education to Alberta’s elementary schools for 11 years until the 2020 pandemic disrupted operations. During this period, Jamie pursued further education in Marketing at the University of Calgary, gaining experience in product development and social media marketing. This sparked an interest in psychology, leading to studies at Athabasca University in decision-making, behavioral science, and learning psychology.

Currently, Jamie is a graduate student in Transdisciplinary Research and a graduate research assistant at the University of Calgary, where her research bridges marketing, public health, and education to explore decision-making around food choices for youth. To address reduced funding for food education in low socioeconomic status communities, Jamie established the Food Discovery Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing food literacy education to children and disabled individuals in need.

Jamie’s enthusiasm for learning, exploration, and creating meaningful change continues to shape her impactful journey.

FOOD IMPACT

Jennifer's Bio

Jennifer Neufeld is an environmental educator and permaculture practitioner dedicated to cultivating ecological literacy and regenerative agriculture practices. With a BSc in Environmental Studies, a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Community Development, a Permaculture Design Certificate, and a Soil Food Web Certificate, she brings a strong foundation in both science and systems thinking.

Jennifer has designed and delivered engaging, experiential workshops for students and communities across Alberta, connecting learners to the incredibly amazing living systems that sustain our food and environment.

Flowing Springs Permaculture and Soil Health

Jason's Bio

Jason Hale has experience in the oil and gas sector, has been a cattle rancher in southern Alberta for over 30 years, was a professional bull fighter, and was an elected Member for the Eastern Irrigation District and Alberta Beef Producers.

As a former Member of Legislative Assembly (April 2012 – May 2015), Jason served on 3 legislative committees and was the opposition critic for Energy; where he provided critical assessment of government policy and programs. He sat on multiple community boards such as the Advisory Committee for the Medicine Hat College and Crawling Valley Recreations Society.

Jason has a Chemical Technology diploma from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT).

Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation

Jenn's Bio

Jenn is a Logician (according to her 16 Personalities test). With an unquenchable thirst for knowledge she leans to innovative inventions, approaching life and work in unconventional ways. A flexible thinker, Jenn often finds herself walking unlikely paths with a strong focus on objectivity and rationality.

Alberta Pulse Growers