Patricia Williams

Patricia Williams, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Applied Human Nutrition at Mount Saint Vincent University and Director of the Food Action Research Centre (FoodARC). She holds the former Canada Research Chair in Food Security and Policy (2007–2017). Her work focuses on participatory approaches to address food insecurity through policy change and community mobilization. Williams has led national studies on food security policy, including a 5-year SSHRC-funded CURA project. She co-founded the Nova Scotia Food Security Network and Food Policy Council, and received a CIHR Partnership Award in 2011.

Education:

• PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies (University of British Columbia, 2001)
• CIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship in Health Promotion (Dalhousie University, 2001–2003)
• B.Sc. in Foods and Nutrition with Dietetics Internship (Mount Saint Vincent University, 1989)

Research Interests: Food security policy, participatory research methodologies, food costing models, and community-university partnerships. Her work bridges academic research with practical policy solutions, emphasizing marginalized populations’ voices in decision-making. Key projects include the decade-long participatory food costing initiative in Nova Scotia and the FoodARC’s advocacy for equitable food systems.

Awards:

• CIHR Partnership Award (2011)
• Canada Research Chair (2007–2017)

Grants & Leadership: Principal Investigator for SSHRC CURA projects totaling $1M+. Leadership roles include founding FoodARC and collaborating with the Nova Scotia Food Security Network. Her work has informed provincial and national policy reforms, including food affordability guidelines and community food programs.

Lab/Teams: Directs FoodARC, a hub for interdisciplinary research and policy engagement with partners across sectors. Collaborates with the Healthy Populations Institute at Dalhousie University.