Carmen and Claude Robillard are certified Community Food Advisors who have been travelling throughout Northern Ontario for the past three years making presentations to groups of all ages. They are experienced food shoppers and cooks who have successfully completed a government-sponsored training program on food safety and nutrition, as well as food selection, preparation and storage. Carmen and Claude are part of a team of 15 volunteers serving the Sudbury District. They and their fellow advisors provide workshops and presentations; conduct cooking classes or food demonstrations; organize displays at shopping centres, farmers’ markets, libraries, schools, trade shows and other centres in the community; and help you or your group plan activities and provide printed material related to food and nutrition. The services of community food advisors are free, however, clients may be asked to pay for any food supplies purchased for programs.

The program is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ontario Ministry of Health. It is sponsored in the region by the Brighter Futures Program.

According to Carmen, they are always looking for interested persons to become Food Advisors. "Volunteers must attend a 90 hour training program which is provided free of charge. To maintain your certificate, you must perform 20 hours or more per year of community service. Plus, there is plenty of on-going training and education in order to keep you up to date with all the latest in food and nutrition."

Claude enjoys connecting with the people he meets as a Food Advisor. "People of all ages are amazed with what they learn from our presentations. We look at the whole issue of ‘Food Security’ and help others make good, healthy choices while remaining within their food budget. By providing shoppers with information and tips on how to shop, substitute food items and deal with sophisticated marketing strategies, we feel we are helping improve the quality of life for many families in the region. It feels real good to know that what you are doing is making a difference."