My name is Rachel.

I’m from Toronto but have been in Montreal for the past 16 years, where I work as a bilingual photographer, community organizer, and writer at the intersection of food, sustainability, and race. Food is the lens with which I understand the world, and the lens with which I seek to enact change.

Much of my work experience has been with non-profits on projects that strengthen our food system and shape it into one that is more sustainable and equitable. Working with clients on complex topics, I help them distill key points through English copywriting and copyediting articles and reports, and help them strategize on reaching target audiences through social media campaigns. Previously, I have managed strategic communications for the national organizations Food Secure Canada and  Nourish Leadership. 

I’m interested in community organizing and advocacy, and in 2019 worked with communities across Canada to bring together 7400 people to make food an election issue, as part of Food Secure Canada’s Eat Think Vote campaign. The restaurant community is also close to my heart, and as a board member, I help fundraise and organize for the Montréal Restaurant Workers Relief Fund, which provides resources and emergency financial relief to hospitality workers. Bringing the cause of restaurant workers to the federal level, I have also worked with the Canadian Coalition of Restaurant Workers, helping Coalition members to reach MPs and advocate for the protection and labour rights of restaurant workers. And recently, I started a new role as a mobilization officer with the Montreal food policy council.

Sometimes I chat with people about antiracism in food work, food insecurity (interview on Radio Canada's podcast – en français), the future of advocacy, and coming to terms with our culinary ancestry (Radio Canada – en français). Embedding antiracism and reconciliation at the heart of food work has led me to consult with organizations such as Récolte, the Musée de la santé Armand-Frappier, and the festival Montréal en lumière.

In the evenings and weekends, I plan workshops and other events, such as the RACExFOOD series and the previous A Taste for Grain conferences.

At all times, I never have my camera far and I photograph – focusing on portraits, food and events. My photography has been featured in several print publications, including the Globe and Mail, Le Devoir, La Presse, Bread Magazine, Chatelaine, and SUSTAIN magazine.

Do you have a project that needs communications support, or do you want to build an event that is more inclusive, curious, and expansive? In the words of John Lewis, I’m always up for getting into “good trouble,” and I’m always, always up for a good story.