With the creation of a new scholarship, Dr. Wayne Roberts’ legacy in food justice lives on
New College, U of T 2025 Scholarship Reception. Left to Right: Lori Stahlbrand and Jyotsna Kumar – Inaugural winner of the Dr. Wayne Roberts Memorial Scholarship.
A prominent food policy activist, analyst and advocate, Dr. Wayne Roberts pioneered the study and teaching of food equity right here at New College.
Now, with the creation of the Dr. Wayne Roberts Memorial Scholarship, his legacy — one defined by passion, optimism and a powerful commitment to social justice — will live on for years to come through the success of new generations of food scholars.
During the 2024/25 academic year, New College was thrilled to name two students — undergraduate students Jyotsna Kumar and Christina Shivtahal — as the inaugural winners of the award.
Kumar, who graduated in June 2025, majored in Critical Studies in Equity and Solidarity and minored in Diaspora and Transnational Studies and Human Geography. Shivtahal, who is currently in her final year, is pursuing a double major in Critical Studies in Equity and Solidarity and Caribbean Studies.
“Receiving this award was a deeply meaningful recognition of my work in food justice and migrant rights,” says Shivtahal. “It affirmed the importance of community-led advocacy and continues to inspire me to build more equitable and sustainable food systems beyond my time at U of T.”
Established by Dr. Roberts’ wife, Lori Stahlbrand, following his passing in 2021, the Dr. Wayne Roberts Memorial Scholarship is a powerful example of collective giving at work. More than $100,000 has been raised toward the scholarship through generous contributions from friends, family members, colleagues and community members, ensuring it will remain a vital resource for students experiencing financial barriers to education for years to come.
Investing in new generations of food activists and scholars
Passionate about removing barriers to food for people on low incomes, Dr. Roberts devoted his career to advancing food equity. He served as manager of the City of Toronto’s Food Policy Council for a decade, wrote a number of books on food issues, volunteered on the boards of major food system non-profits and engaged extensively in community activism and advocacy.
At New College, he taught Canada’s very first course on food and equity, developed the Global Food Equity Stream Initiative and created a network of food scholars, instructors, community workers and activists committed to making a difference in the field of food justice.
He also loved working with young people and dreamed of inspiring new generations to advance food justice in Canada and globally.
“Wayne believed in young people, and he was optimistic that they would find answers to many of the problems facing our world,” says Stahlbrand. “He loved their enthusiasm, openness and commitment. So creating a scholarship for young people in his name was a natural thing to do.”
Dr. Anne McGuire, Director of the Critical Studies in Equity and Solidarity Program, says the award affirms the importance of linking food systems to broader struggles for justice.
“In addition to raising the profile of academic and activist work in this area, this award underscores that food equity is more urgent than ever — and that it’s worth investing in as we work to build strong, accessible, resilient communities in the face of economic and climate instability.”
We are immensely grateful to Lori Stahlbrand, the entire Roberts-Stahlbrand family and all those who contributed to the Dr. Wayne Roberts Memorial Scholarship.