Exciting news for Ontario’s food and beverage industry!

Last Updated on June 23, 2025

As proud delivery partners of CareersNOW!, FoodGrads and CareersInFood Canada were thrilled to attend the June 18th funding announcement with Minister David Piccini at Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery. The newly announced funding will expand CareersNOW!’s reach and impact—connecting even more students and jobseekers with meaningful opportunities in Ontario’s vibrant food and beverage processing sector.

At FoodGrads, we believe that every person, student, and newcomer deserves a clear and supported path into a meaningful career. That belief is what drives us to be part of something bigger, supporting the future of Canada’s largest manufacturing employer: the food and beverage processing industry.

Since the beginning, we’ve proudly stood behind this initiative, not just to raise awareness, but to equip the next generation with the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed. Through virtual job fairs, mentorship, That’s a Food Job! podcast and thoughtfully designed programs, we’re not only helping people find jobs we’re helping them find purpose and belonging in a sector that feeds the nation.

“This program is more than just an awareness campaign, it’s a bridge to long-term careers,” says Nicole Gallace, Talent Solutions Manager, FoodGrads. “We’re creating opportunities that give purpose to education and direction to talent that’s eager to contribute.”

“There’s so much momentum right now,” adds Sydney Mohr, Marketing, Communications & PR Specialist, FoodGrads. “We’re seeing students inspired, employers engaged, and partnerships that are genuinely moving the needle on workforce development.”

“Feeling proud and grateful. I’ve had the privilege of watching this program evolve for several years, working alongside the incredible Isabel Dopta, Program Director. Through her collaborative leadership, key partners have come together to build something meaningful and I’m so proud that the FoodGrads team is part of that journey,” shares Nicole Gallace.

We’ve already made a measurable impact by connecting students and jobseekers to fulfilling careers in food and beverage processing. This latest round of funding and the promise of continued support means we can keep building the workforce of tomorrow and strengthening an essential industry that feeds the nation.

“If you want an innovative and productive food and beverage manufacturing industry, you have to invest in the people who make it happen,” says Kathryn Doan, Chief Vision Officer for the Talent Solutions brands, including FoodGrads and CareersInFood Canada. “CareersNOW! and Food and Beverage Ontario have taken this investment seriously and are delivering meaningful results for todays and tomorrow’s workforce by working with partners committed to long-term impact.”

Our sincere thanks to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and Minister David Piccini for your continued investment and belief in the power of people.

Let’s keep building more pathways, more connections, and more career stories worth sharing.

For more career opportunities, check out https://careersnow.ca/find-your-career/.