With a sincere desire to improve everyone’s relationship with food, chef and food activist Joshna Maharaj believes that both professional chefs and home cooks can bring values of hospitality, sustainability, and social justice to every dining table.

Joshna believes that every plate of food tells a story, and she’ll share a food story from her Indian heritage that will help you read the stories on your own plates.

Since November 2020, Indian farmers have been protesting new laws that limit their access to market and force them to change the way they have farmed for generations. While this is a situation in India, the idea of people who work the land demanding fair pay and access to the market is a timeless global phenomenon. Through the story of sarson ka saag & makki ki rotis (mustard greens & corn flatbread), Joshna will take you from the soil of farmland of Punjab right to a delicious finish on a plate here in Toronto.

Joshna will be in conversation (and virtually in the kitchen!) with Ryan Hinkson, a self-made entrepreneur, local food culturalist and the face (and soul) behind the ever-popular @EatFamous Instagram account. They’ll talk about the connection between food history, what to have for dinner, and putting some justice on your plate.

This program will be recorded and available for replay at the same link.

This Live & Online presentation is in celebration of Asian Heritage and part of Toronto Public Library's Our Fragile Planet program series, supported by TD Friends of the Environment (TD FEF) .

Place a hold on Joshna's book, Take back the tray : revolutionizing food in hospitals, schools, and other institutions from Toronto Public Library.

Questions about online programs? Please email us at programproposals@tpl.ca

Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible, and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks' notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca

Greens, Corn & Migration: Finding Food Stories on Your Plate with Chef and Food Activist Joshna Maharaj