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 to celebrate and spotlight Edmonton’s Black-owned restaurant community. Over time, I’ve come to see how our dining week and events connect to a larger food sovereignty movement and the preservation of ancestral foodways. I’m grateful for the volunteers who keep us rooted in community and am feeling inspired as we expand Feed the Soul’s work to support both Black and racialized communities.”

  • Kira Vliestra (She/Her)

    Graphic Designer and Social Media Lead

    "I volunteer with Feed the Soul to support my community through uplifting core arts and cultural spaces that prioritize joy, belonging and education.”

  • TJ Jegede (he/him)

    Co-Project Lead

    “I joined Feed the Soul because it combines two things that I consider dear to my heart: food and community building. Over the years, I have been blessed with the opportunity to try new restaurants everywhere I go while also volunteering in different capacities where I could. I believe in FTS’s mandate of amplifying BIPOC business and providing Edmontonians with a diverse dining experience. I want to help them continue to fulfill their mandate.”

  • Keon Jeffrey (he/him)

    Co-Project Lead

  • 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.”

  • 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 Romanchuk

    Graphic Design Support

    “I’m inspired by adventure and culture and Feed The Soul ignites exactly that right here in our own city! I believe local restaurants and cafes are such an integral hub and birthplace for community, so it’s very meaningful for me to help out. I love the diversity we have here in Edmonton, and I want to see racialized restaurants & communities thrive.”

  • Stacy Shyaka (She/Her)

    Event and Social Media Support

    “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."

  • 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.“

  • Lynsee Leahy

    Event Support

    “I joined Feed the Soul because I’m passionate about food, culture, and community. I love discovering and supporting the incredible local talent that makes Edmonton’s food scene so special. I’m also deeply interested in growing food and promoting food security, and I believe that access to good, local food strengthens both individuals and communities. Volunteering with Feed the Soul gives me the chance to celebrate those stories, connect with others who share that passion, and help build a more connected.”

  • 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?