FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Winnipeg, September 8, 2026 — Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C) and Second Harvest are proud to announce the launch of a brand-new Food Waste Quest within AITC-C’s national Mission Explorium program. Designed for Grades 6–8 youth, this Quest invites students across Canada to explore the causes and impacts of food waste — and to design innovative, real-world solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.

Developed in partnership with Second Harvest, Canada’s largest food rescue organization, the Food Waste Quest brings authentic expertise and national relevance to the classroom. Through hands-on activities, inquiry-based learning, and real-world scenarios, students will investigate how food moves through the supply chain, why so much of it is lost or wasted, and what actions individuals and communities can take to reduce waste. The Quest empowers youth to think critically about sustainability, climate impacts, and food systems — while inspiring them to take action on food waste in their own communities and imagine future careers where they can help create a more sustainable, waste-smart food system.

Mission Explorium is AITC-C’s national inquiry-based program that challenges Grades 6–8 youth to explore Canada’s food system through hands-on, curriculum-aligned Quests. Existing Quests invite students to investigate Ecosystems, Agriculture, and Food & Culture — and now, with the addition of the new Food Waste Quest, the program offers an even richer exploration of sustainability and real-world food system challenges. Each Quest empowers students to think critically, collaborate creatively, and take meaningful action in their communities.

“At Agriculture in the Classroom Canada, we believe every student should have access to meaningful, curriculum‑aligned learning about Canada’s food system. The Food Waste Quest adds an essential sustainability lens to Mission Explorium and helps students connect real‑world food system challenges with hands‑on, inquiry‑based learning. We’re proud to partner with Second Harvest to bring this important experience to youth across Canada, and we’re excited to see how students use their creativity and critical thinking to imagine—and build—a more waste‑smart future,” said Denise Schmidt, Executive Director, Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC‑C).

This collaboration brings together AITC-C’s national leadership in food education and Second Harvest’s expertise in food rescue and food waste reduction. Together, the organizations are equipping youth with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to take meaningful action toward a more sustainable food future.

“The Food Waste Quest helps students gain a better understanding of our food system and empowers them to develop solutions that drive long-lasting, positive change. Second Harvest is thrilled to partner with Agriculture in the Classroom Canada to bring this important learning experience to youth across Canada and we can’t wait to see what the next generation of changemakers will achieve,” said Lori Nikkel, CEO, Second Harvest.

Registration for Mission Explorium is now open.

Educators in classrooms, homeschool environments, and after-school groups working with Grades 6–8 youth can register today at:

https://aitcdashboard.ca/programs/mission_explorium/nat/2027/expo/teacher/.

2027 Competition Timeline

Regional Competition

January 7 — Regional Competition Begins

April 16 — Regional Competition Ends

April 23 — Regional Winners Announced

National Competition

April 26 — National Competition Begins

May 6 — National Competition Ends

May 14 — National Winners Announced

About Agriculture in the Classroom Canada

Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C) is a national, charitable organization dedicated to cultivating meaningful connections to agriculture and food for students across Canada. Through innovative programs and partnerships, AITC-C helps youth understand where their food comes from and the role they play in shaping the future of the food system.

To learn more, visit www.aitc-canada.ca.

About Second Harvest

Second Harvest is Canada’s largest food rescue organization and a global thought leader on food waste and perishable food redistribution. It rescues unsold surplus food from thousands of food businesses from across the supply chain to redistribute it to non-profits in every province and territory. This prevents harmful greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere while improving access to nutrition for millions of Canadians experiencing food insecurity. Beyond food rescue and redistribution, Second Harvest is deeply involved in advocacy, research, training and education. Its groundbreaking reports, such as “The Avoidable Crisis of Food Waste,” provide critical data and insights to inform public policy and educate the public on sustainable food systems

To learn more, visit www.secondharvest.ca.

Media Contacts

Agriculture in the Classroom Canada

Name: Denise Schmidt

Title:  Executive Director

Email: director@aitc-canada.ca

Second Harvest

Name: Giao Chau

Title: Communications Manager

Email: giaoc@secondharvest.ca   

Phone: 416-346-3617