Hannah Mawhinney
As a new school year begins, I’m excited to share that I’ve joined Student Nutrition Ontario as the new Project Manager. Back to school is such an important time — it’s full of fresh energy, new routines, and opportunities for learning. It’s also a reminder of why SNO’s work matters so much: when students are well nourished, they are better prepared to focus, engage, and reach their full potential.
Schools play a powerful role in supporting healthy eating. They create fun, welcoming spaces where children can try new foods alongside their peers and build positive relationships with food. Student nutrition programs help make sure every child has that chance, regardless of their circumstances. I’m thrilled to be part of an organization that is working to ensure these programs are strong, sustainable, and equitable across Ontario.
Before moving here, I worked in Nova Scotia as a Project Manager with the UpLift Partnership, a school–community–university collaboration that advanced the Health Promoting Schools model across the province. In that role, I supported 163 schools as they improved their learning environments based on student priorities and worked with health and education partners to strengthen provincial evaluation tools, create capacity-building opportunities, and support a provincial advisory committee. I also contributed to the launch of the Nova Scotia school lunch program as a member of the Coalition for Healthy School Food Steering Committee, helping bring forward a youth-engaged perspective to the design of school food programs.
My background is in food and nutrition, and I’ve always been inspired by the ways food connects us to health, learning, and community. I’ve taught university nutrition courses, researched local food systems, and worked on community development initiatives — all with the goal of supporting healthy and abundant lives for everyone.
Now at SNO, I’m excited to continue this work by helping to strengthen student nutrition programs that not only fill hungry tummies, but also create supportive, inclusive environments where children can thrive.
Outside of work, I’m settling into life in Collingwood, where I love cooking for family and friends, exploring local trails, shops and restaurants, and spending time on the waters of Georgian Bay.
I’m so grateful to be part of Student Nutrition Ontario at this important time of year — and I look forward to collaborating with partners, schools, and communities to make sure every child starts the school day nourished and ready to learn.
