Half Your Plate Symposium for Health Professionals

Jessica began her career addressing the challenges parents face when introducing solids to their babies, pioneering baby-led weaning workshops in 2012 as one of the first dietitians in the world to do so. Now leading the International Starting Solids Network, she equips health professionals with tools and education to support families confidently. Passionate about improving access to fresh, nutritious food, Jessica also connects families to local farms through a veggie basket drop-off program at her home. As a mentor at McGill University, she inspires future leaders in pediatrics, community health, and entrepreneurship while promoting positive, pressure-free approaches to nutrition.

Chantal Vézina has been at the helm of Moisson Montréal since September 2022, where she uses her positive leadership and innovative, visionary ideas to support the organization's mission. With a wealth of experience in the bio-food sector, she previously held the position of General Manager of the Carrefour de l'industrie bioalimentaire de l'île de Montréal (CIBÎM) for 11 years. In this role, she accompanied and supported numerous SMEs in the sector, contributing to their development and growth.

Before joining CIBÎM, Chantal worked for 13 years at Costco, where she held various management positions, developing solid expertise in operational management and procurement in the food distribution sector.

Chantal Vézina holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and management from Université Laval, as well as a certificate in public relations, advertising and applied communications from Université de Montréal. Her career path testifies to her commitment to the food and bio-food sector, as well as her desire to advance high-impact initiatives for the community.

Anne Goodwin is passionate about providing university students with meals that are both nutritious and appealing, fostering healthy eating habits. With a background in food services and education, she leads initiatives focused on nutrition and sustainability, ensuring a positive impact on both students and the environment.

Alison Caron is the registered dietitian behind le Mouvement J'aime les fruits et légumes created by the Quebec Produce Marketing Association (QPMA). A dietitian since 2011, she has worked in a variety of clinical and agri-food settings, notably as a grocery store dietitian for Canada's largest food banner. She is best known for her passion for nutrition, her dynamism, and her ability to communicate nutrition information simply and effectively.

Josée was first exposed to the potato industry at the age of 14, and now co-owns Patates Dolbec with her partner. Patates Dolbec is a family-run business with human values, that uses cutting edge technology and industry 4.0. An industry ambassador for the QPMA's le Mouvement J’aime les Fruits et Légumes, she is also an active committee member on, Épatante patate du Québec.

With nearly 20 years of experience in wholesale, Nick has a deep passion for the fresh produce industry. His career has allowed him to develop a strong understanding of retail, logistics, and product sourcing, all while staying committed to delivering quality and customer satisfaction. He thrives in fast-paced environments and is dedicated to driving success through his extensive industry knowledge and experience.

Jennifer Ong Tone is a registered dietitian at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association and champions the Half Your Plate program, a healthy living initiative that encourages Canadians to fill half their plates with fruits and veggies. As part of her role, she develops nutrition resources for consumers, dietitians, and the produce industry, and provides continuing education opportunities for health professionals. With over 10 years of experience in the food industry, she also supports the produce industry in ensuring their labels are compliant with Canadian labelling regulations.

Natalie is a registered dietitian who views food as a powerful tool for bringing people together, creating shared experiences that foster connection, cultural exchange, and a sense of belonging. Over the last 8 years, her work has focused on food literacy for children, teens and young adults and as the current Regional Coordinator for Boîte à Lunch (BàL), a free after-school food literacy program for youth, she has been learning how food literacy is not just about cooking skills or nutrition—it’s about fostering curiosity, cultural appreciation, and critical thinking about the food system. She also oversees a free snack program that provides healthy baked goods and fresh fruits and vegetables to 7 community partners across NDG, one that she has successfully revamped to increase the ordering rate of fresh produce from 20% to 50% over the course of 2 years. Across both programs, she is passionate about training partners to implement positive, strengths-based teaching approaches that foster healthier relationships with food.

A graduate from the dietetic technician program, Laurence has always had a keen interest in nutrition and well-being. Her career path has led her to work alongside dietitians in a variety of settings, reinforcing her belief that healthy eating should be simple and accessible to all.

Passionate about greens in all forms, she found Gen V's vision perfectly suited to her values: to offer local vegetables, grown with respect for people and the environment. As a marketing coordinator, she puts a spotlight on these products to encourage healthier and greener eating.

For Laurence, fruits and vegetables are indispensable: they are an infinite source of freshness, flavour and color, making every meal more lively and naturally tasty!