Partnership provides equipment for transformed UofG food lab

Thanks to a new partnership with Whirlpool Canada, the Lang School’s Anita Stewart Alumni Food Laboratory will be outfitted with state-of-the-art appliances and food preparation equipment.

As part of the partnership, Whirlpool Canada will be the exclusive appliance sponsor for the food lab, donating a complete line of brand-new appliances and equipment, ranging from ovens and cooktops to blenders and toasters.

“We are excited to support hospitality and food nutrition students at the University of Guelph through this partnership,” said Eric Baker, Senior Manager, National Training at Whirlpool Corporation. “As a company that focuses on innovation and forward-thinking, we believe this partnership can provide the equipment needed for the next generation of innovators to receive the hands-on learning that the food lab provides.”

The new fleet of appliances will support the transformation of the food lab into a versatile facility that engages hospitality and nutrition students, teaching innovative practices in food preparation, production, safety, and the science of food.

"This partnership will complete the transformation of our food lab into a state-of-the-art learning facility for students," said Dr. Hwan-Suk (Chris) Choi, interim director of Lang's School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management. "Once the renovations are complete, our students will have access to the appliances and tools needed to be immersed in today's innovative food practices and research."

Renovations on the food lab began in August, thanks to the extraordinary $1-million gift from alumnus Michel Eric Fournelle (Hospitality and Food Administration, ’92) in 2019. Fournelle’s gift was a pivotal moment for the transformation of the food lab, which was named in honour of Anita Stewart, a Canadian icon who launched Food Day Canada and advanced Canada’s cuisine and food culture on the world stage.

Renovations are well underway with an expected completion date by the end of the Winter semester.