Marian Yusuf Memorial Fund

The Marian Yusuf Memorial Fund was created by her many friends and colleagues to celebrate her life and legacy.  She was a tireless advocate and mentor particularly for newcomers and refugees and young people.   Funds will go to support the Community Food Works Program which Marian developed and is now delivered by Working Women Community Centre.

Nutrition Promotion Consultant, Community Advocate, Leader

Marian Yusuf died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday January 30th, 2021.  Marian was a passionate, tireless advocate and mentor, working strenuously to promote equitable access for all community members.  As a nutritionist working at Toronto Public Health, Marian applied her skills and expertise to ensure everyone had access to good, nutritious and culturally appropriate food, and to all determinants of health.  Throughout her career, Marian worked with many partners and imparted her skills to hundreds of people. She is greatly missed by her colleagues and friends in Toronto Public Health and numerous community organizations including Working Women Community Centre. 

A Lasting Legacy:  Community Food Works

Marian initiated the Community Food Works program which brought together food handler training, nutrition education skills and connections to employment skills.  It was core public health - healthy eating, food safety and employment as a determinant of health.  Through this initiative, Marian partnered with many community food organizations, various city divisions, immigrant settlement agencies, community health centres, and employment support agencies.  She facilitated peer support to newcomer Peer Leaders providing them with Canadian job experience and opportunities for growth.  Participants loved the Community Food Works program and the social contact with others it provided them along with the joy of cooking together and acquiring skills.  Marian continuously worked to improve the program and provide better supports for participants.

Marian mentored countless students in both nutrition education and community development.  She dedicated countless hours to foster skills development, engagement and exposure to much needed real-life experience.  Many students credit Marian's mentorship for their career advancement.

She was a dedicated member of the Food Strategy team in Toronto Public Health, always bringing her wisdom, passion, expertise and commitment to action to all the work.  Her legacy is embedded in the work of so many and she will be greatly missed.