AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM CANADA
AITC Canada and Second Harvest Partner to Launch New Food Waste Quest in Mission Explorium

Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C) and Second Harvest are proud to announce the launch of a brand-new Food Waste Quest within AITC-C's national Mission Explorium program. Designed for Grades 6-8 youth, this Quest invites students across Canada to explore the causes and impacts of food waste -- and to design innovative, real-world solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.

Developed in partnership with Second Harvest, Canada's largest food rescue organization, the Food Waste Quest brings authentic expertise and national relevance to the classroom. Through hands-on activities, inquiry-based learning, and real-world scenarios, students will investigate how food moves through the supply chain, why so much of it is lost or wasted, and what actions individuals and communities can take to reduce waste. The Quest empowers youth to think critically about sustainability, climate impacts, and food systems -- while inspiring them to take action on food waste in their own communities and imagine future careers where they can help create a more sustainable, waste-smart food system.

Mission Explorium is AITC-C's national inquiry-based program that challenges Grades 6-8 youth to explore Canada's food system through hands-on, curriculum-aligned Quests. Existing Quests invite students to investigate Ecosystems, Agriculture, and Food & Culture -- and now, with the addition of the new Food Waste Quest, the program offers an even richer exploration of sustainability and real-world food system challenges. Each Quest empowers students to think critically, collaborate creatively, and take meaningful action in their communities.

"At Agriculture in the Classroom Canada, we believe every student should have access to meaningful, curriculum-aligned learning about Canada's food system. The Food Waste Quest adds an essential sustainability lens to Mission Explorium and helps students connect real-world food system challenges with hands-on, inquiry-based learning. We're proud to partner with Second Harvest to bring this important experience to youth across Canada, and we're excited to see how students use their creativity and critical thinking to imagine -- and build -- a more waste-smart future," said Denise Schmidt, Executive Director, Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C).

This collaboration brings together AITC-C's national leadership in food education and Second Harvest's expertise in food rescue and food waste reduction. Together, the organizations are equipping youth with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to take meaningful action toward a more sustainable food future.

"The Food Waste Quest helps students gain a better understanding of our food system and empowers them to develop solutions that drive long-lasting, positive change. Second Harvest is thrilled to partner with Agriculture in the Classroom Canada to bring this important learning experience to youth across Canada and we can't wait to see what the next generation of changemakers will achieve," said Lori Nikkel, CEO, Second Harvest.

Registration for Mission Explorium is now open.

Educators in classrooms, homeschool environments, and after-school groups working with Grades 6-8 youth can register today at: https://aitcdashboard.ca/programs/mission_explorium/nat/2027/expo/teacher/.

2027 Competition Timeline

Regional Competition

• January 7 - Regional Competition Begins
• April 16 - Regional Competition Ends
• April 23 - Regional Winners Announced

National Competition

• April 26 - National Competition Begins
• May 6 - National Competition Ends
• May 14 - National Winners Announced