Valerie Tarasuk

Valerie Tarasuk is Professor Emerita in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. An internationally recognized expert on household food insecurity and nutrition policy, her research has shaped public understanding of poverty, food access, and health inequities in Canada, informing policy discussions at both national and provincial levels. She is a food insecurity researcher and a member of the Order of Canada, as well as a Founding Investigator of PROOF.

PROOF is an interdisciplinary research program based at the University of Toronto focused on identifying policy solutions to household food insecurity in Canada. Led by researchers in public health, nutrition, and social policy, PROOF conducts nationally recognized research examining the relationship between income insecurity, food access, and health outcomes. Its work informs government policy, public debate, and evidence-based approaches to reducing poverty and improving food security across Canada.