NOSM University recently received a generous gift from the Burnbrae Farms Foundation that will directly support the next generation of Registered Dietitians in Northern Ontario. The Foundation will invest $40,000 over the next five years, to cover the tuition of $4,000 annually for two NOSM University dietetic students. This support will make a significant and lasting impact on future Registered Dietitians and access to care for Northerners across the region.
Burnbrae Farms is a sixth-generation family-owned and operated Canadian company known for its leadership in sustainable egg farming, healthy living, and community giving.
“The Foundation board was greatly impressed by the work of NOSM University and looks forward to working together,” says Helen Anne Hudson, Co-Chair of the Burnbrae Farms Foundation. Mary Jean McFall, Co-Chair of the Foundation, adds, “We believe strongly in the importance of investing in students who will go on to serve communities and strengthen food and nutrition systems across Northern Ontario.”
“This generous gift exemplifies a shared commitment to healthier communities. It brings together a Canadian, family-owned business with a deep dedication to nutrition and a medical university shaping the next generation of socially accountable health professionals,” says Dr. Michael Green, President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean and CEO of NOSM University. “By supporting dietetic students, this partnership will help ensure Northern communities have access to the Registered Dietitians they need.”
NOSM University’s Dietetic Practicum Program is uniquely designed for the needs of Northern Ontario. Students complete hands-on placements in urban, rural, Indigenous and Francophone communities, gaining practical skills and an understanding of food systems, health equity, and culturally relevant care.
The Burnbrae Farms Foundation’s investment will remove major financial barriers for students, many of whom relocate during placements, support families, or come from underserved regions. The impact of Burnbrae Farms’ contributions will help to attract and train more Registered Dietitians in the North.
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NOSM University is Canada’s first independent medical university and one of the greatest education and physician workforce strategy success stories of Northern Ontario. More than just a medical university, it was purpose-built to address the health needs of the region. While advocating for equitable access to care, the university contributes to the economic development of Northern Ontario. NOSM University relies on the commitment and expertise of the people of Northern Ontario to educate health-care professionals to practise in Indigenous, Francophone, rural, remote, and underserved communities. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and advocacy, NOSM University is an award-winning, socially accountable organization renowned for its innovative model of distributed, community-engaged education and research.
For further information, please contact: news@nosm.ca.
Burnbrae Farms is the largest family-owned and operated egg business in Canada, committed to providing Canadians with affordable, nutritious, great-tasting eggs and egg products. As a majority female owned business, we are proud to be certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE). For generations, the Hudson family has given back to local communities, through grassroots programs, local and national charities, enhancing the lives of Canadians, one egg at a time. In 2017, the Hudson family created the Burnbrae Farms Foundation in honour of Burnbrae Farms’ founder, Joe Hudson. Joe and his wife Mary Hudson’s love of agriculture and feeding people, commitment to community and doing right by the environment inspired our Foundation’s vision and mission.
Learn more about Burnbrae Farms Foundation at burnbraefarmsfoundation.com.
