ICYMI: COVID restrictions tightening, CP Holiday Train reroute, and more

Here are five stories you might have missed in food news this week

For the first time in its 21 years of operation, the Canadian Pacific Railway Holiday Train won’t be travelling across the continent to raise money for local food banks. However, this week, the Canadian Pacific Railway announced that it will instead donate to food banks across the railway network, while hosting a series of virtual concerts in lieu of the annual event. 

In response to the gradual increase of COVID cases across the province, the Ontario government has implemented a number of new restrictions and public health measures that will see an earlier last call in restaurants, bars, and nightclubs along with the indefinite closure of all strip clubs. 

Lastly, a Saskatchewan farmer took to the news this week after a publication that was meant to showcase diversity within the agricultural sector intentionally omitted his sexual orientation. Stuart Chutter, who identifies as a gay man, expressed disappointment that the publication missed an opportunity to highlight the LGBTQ farming community, who he says is highly underrepresented. 

Here are five stories you might have missed in food news this week.

CP Holiday Train will continue to support local food banks

Over its 21 years of operation, the Canadian Pacific Railway Holiday Train has raised roughly $17.8 million while collecting approximately 4.8 million pounds of food for food banks across North America.

After being forced to cancel this year’s annual event, CP announced this week that it will continue its rich tradition of giving back by donating to food banks across the railway network and providing a series of virtual concerts.

Get the full breakdown at CBC News.

Ontario government tightens restrictions on bars and restaurants

This week, in light of the recent rise in COVID cases across the province, the Ontario government announced the implementation of a number of new restrictions and public health measures. 

The new precautionary protocols will see last call at bars, restaurants, and nightclubs moved to 11 p.m., the indefinite closure of all strip clubs, and the requirement that all businesses and organizations comply with the advice of Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams.

Head to CBC News for more.

Toronto siblings raise $3,000 for Food Banks Canada with virtual lemonade stand

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Two Toronto children who launched a virtual lemonade stand amidst the pandemic are now seeing all of their hard work come to fruition. Maxim and Maya Mounter (aged 8 and 5, respectively) offer visitors a virtual experience where they provide recipes and step-by-step instructions on how to make their five favourite lemonade concoctions. 

The two siblings recently announced that while they plan to save half of their profits for their university tuition, the other half will be donated to Canadian Food Banks. So far, the duo have raised over $3,000. 

Find out more at CTV News.

Saskatchewan farmer speaks on the importance of diversity in agriculture

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A Saskatchewan farmer was in the news this week after an article published in the Western Producer--specifically meant to focus on diversity and stereotypes within the agricultural sector--chose to omit his sexual orientation. 

Stuart Chutter, who identifies as a gay man, was disappointed that the publication missed an opportunity to showcase the LGBTQ farming community, who he says is highly underreprestented.

Find the full story at CBC News.

CFIA issues two major recalls

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued two major recalls this week: one for Manila clams and another for a brand of wood ear mushrooms. 

The clams, which were harvested in B.C. but have since been distributed to Alberta and Ontario as well, have been found to be linked to a specific marine biotoxin that can lead to paralysis and in some cases death. 

The wood ear mushrooms, which have been distributed in B.C., Alberta, and Manitoba, were recalled for possible salmonella contamination. The CFIA has also warned that both products may have been shipped nationwide. 

Visit CTV News for the full report.