WHO WE ARE

Feed the Soul Dining Week is a city-wide celebration of Edmonton's Black-, Indigenous- and racialized-owned & operated restaurants, food producers and product makers who enrich the local culinary scene.

Our Mandate

Organized by a dedicated, volunteer-led team, Feed the Soul is committed to creating safer spaces for racially-diverse entrepreneurs to expand their presence in the city. Through diverse channels and platforms, Feed the Soul showcases their products and services, connecting them with the broader community.

At Feed the Soul YEG we create a community that connects Black-, Indigenous- and racialized-owned businesses to new audiences, resources, and growth opportunities. Through events, marketing campaigns, partnerships, entrepreneurial support, and mentorship, we help set the foundation for participating business owners to create and manage their own marketing strategies. Our efforts focus on breaking down barriers by providing tailored access to essential supports and resources.

We leverage our platforms to reshape narratives about ethnocultural culinary offerings, sharing stories that highlight the rich histories and flavours within our diverse culinary community. Together, our strategies are designed to promote business growth and sustainability in a competitive industry.

What we do

Meet the Team

  • Rochelle Ignacio (She/her)

    Founder & Co-Lead

    “I started Feed the Soul Dining Week to shine a spotlight on Edmonton’s diverse Black-owned food and beverage community. Food is a communal language and I see Feed the Soul Dining Week as an anti-racist cultural tool that can be used to shift perspectives of Black communities.”

  • Kira Vliestra (She/Her)

    Graphic Designer and Social Media Lead

    "I volunteer with Feed the Soul because I was initially excited about it's initiatives and exploring new cuisine. While supporting this team, I’ve grown a local connection and continue my work towards cultivating a positive community. Feed The Soul is a great opportunity to support local Black business owners and develop my marketing experience here in Edmonton."

  • Ashley Prasad (She/Her)

    Event Support

    "I volunteer with Feed The Soul because I love food; cooking, eating, exploring. Moreso, I’m passionate about being involved in my community and supporting the culture we crave. It’s amazing to see how diverse yet versatile so many ingredients are when used in dishes around the world, and so similar in so many ways, just like us when we come together.“

  • Stacy Shyaka (She/Her)

    Event and Social Media Coordinator

    “I volunteer with Feed the Soul because I love supporting amazing black-owned business that have not reached the public eye, YET. I’m excited to be back after seeing how much positive impact this project had on last years business."

  • Lola Adegun (She/Her)

    Finance & Administrative Lead

    "I volunteer with Feed the Soul to give back to my community and execute exciting innovations. As a foodie, I value the spotlight it shines on Black-owned cuisine. On the team, I specialize in delivering client services with a focus on financial administration."

  • Maurice Humphrey (He/Him)

    Design & Content Coordinator

    "I volunteer with Feed The Soul to feed my curiosity of cultural cuisine. I love finding and experiencing new things, especially local restaurants providing great food"

  • Jessica Dodds (she/her)

    Finance Coordinator

    "I volunteer with Feed The Soul as a way to connect with my community. Food is a universal language that speaks in a way that anyone can understand. Some of my fondest memories have been made over slurping noodles with others. I'm delighted to be a part of a team that will amplify stories of Black-owned businesses in the city and can't wait to see how the year unfolds.”

  • Nneoma Amogu (She/Her)

    Administrative Volunteer

    ”I volunteer with Feed The Soul because I want to be more involved in my community. I believe in uplifting small businesses and I love food so this organization feels like the best of both worlds. I’m excited to discover new black owned businesses and restaurants and collaborate with the amazing Feed The Soul team to showcase them”

Want to volunteer?