By Pauline Tennent

Dr. Fabiana Li is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Li’s research focuses on the intersections between food, culture, environment, and social justice.

Dr. Li was a CHRR Small Grant recipient for her timely project that explored the right to food in Winnipeg in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Li and her team explored the creation of “Victory Gardens” in Winnipeg, which were originally popularized during World War I and II in an attempt to support the war effort and alleviate pressures on the food supply.

Dr. Li’s project focused on the Meadowood Victory Garden established at the St. Vital Centennial Arena with the support of Winnipeg Food Council, partners, and volunteers. Dr. Li and her team explored the possibilities of improving the short-term phenomenon of Victory Gardens into a more sustainable transformation of food systems and urban agriculture. Lessons from the Victory Gardens project and recommendations for moving forward can be found here.