As Edmonton’s aging population continues to grow, it is crucial to include the voices of older adults in conversations and decision-making around culturally-relevant food-access and dignity in aging. The Food Security & Food Justice Ecosystem of Edmonton (FSFJE) invites you to join an upcoming learning session that will aim to give space for and amplify the voices and lived experiences of older adults as we talk food resilience and dignity in aging.
Hear from seniors and agency representatives from the Edmonton Age Friendly Alliance, Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council, and Sage Seniors Association as they share personal narratives and frontline insights. This interactive session explore how food insecurity impacts older adults, particularly around mobility, income, housing, and cultural food access, and examine how older adults are actively engaging in food resilience.
This is a hybrid event: join in-person (Arts Hub Ortona—9722 102 St NW, Edmonton) or online.
Registration is required.
Speakers Bios for October 22nd
Ali Hammington (she/her)
Ali is a longtime community activist in the Edmonton area, with a focus on food security issues. She spent many years working in the social services sector before becoming semi-retired.
During the pandemic, Ali administered a food pantry and meal program to serve local residents through the Alberta Avenue Community League (AACL). Her current work centres the Growing Together program at the AACL Community Garden, which promotes healthy living and food security on individual and community levels. The program's collaborative garden work benefits the Bethel Food Pantry and additional neighbourhood programs. She also serves as a member of the Seniors' Advisory Committee at Sage Seniors Association.
Ali lives in the Alberta Avenue area with her cat, Maddy.
Ambreen Ahmed (she/her)
Ambreen Ahmed is the Communications and Marketing Director for the Council of Muslims Aging Gracefully which is a non profit organization where she leads outreach, advocacy and storytelling to support the well-being and active aging of Muslims. A former teacher who worked with students across all grade levels, she connects with diverse audiences through clear, compassionate, and culturally attuned messaging. As a caregiver to her aging parents, she brings lived experience to discussions on aging and caregiving, underscoring practical, ethical approaches to resource advocacy and program design.
Shyvonne Darby (she/her)
Shyvonne Darby is a Registered Dietitian with Alberta Health Services, currently working on the Edmonton Zone Public Health Dietitian team. With a background in clinical nutrition and supporting older adult patients, Shyvonne brings both frontline insight and a public health perspective to her work. She is an active member of the NourishED Older Adults Action Hub, focusing on food security and culturally inclusive nutrition initiatives.
Jimmy Morrison (he/him)
Jimmy has been with Operation Friendship Seniors Society (OFSS) now for 13 years as Community Relations Manager. He is responsible for the volunteer program, their social media, fundraising and community engagement. In his time at OFSS, he has started initiatives such as Stocking Stuffers for Seniors Campaign with London Drugs, their Annual Dinner and Silent Auction, #Socktober, #OperationUndies, and their continuous #OFSSBottle Drive that started at the beginnings of COVID.
In his spare time Jimmy plays softball, and is happy to report their team won the Spring, Summer and Fall League in 2025. He’s excited for Winter Dome Ball in November to continue playing indoors. He loves being the best uncle ever to his two nieces and nephew and being an amazing husband to his wife, Allison. Jimmy also is a huge WWE fan and also a big Disney fan.