Host an Event

• To personally meet your candidates and show that you and people in your community care about food

• To unite your voice with individuals and organizations across the country advocating for a better, more inclusive national food policy

• To make food a major election issue.

Not at all! You don’t need to be an expert to host an event for Eat Think Vote. The most important thing is your passion for food policy and your desire to engage others in meaningful conversations. You can always rely on campaign materials, resources, and guest speakers to help guide the conversation. It’s about creating a space for learning and sharing ideas.

Download and read through our ETV toolkit. Then:

1. Create your organizing team and partner with your community

2. Set a date and find a venue

3. Invite your local candidates

4. Promote the event to your community!

5. Report back to us about your event here

You can host a variety of events for the Eat Think Vote campaign. Whether it’s an informal discussion, community dinner, a local debate, a discussion panel, or an educational workshop, any event that brings people together to talk about food policy and political action. The key is to create an engaging, welcoming space for conversation and action on food issues.

In our toolkit we have provided resources to identify and engage candidates in the election, including draft letters of invitation. It’s never too early to reach out, even if an election has yet to be called and the event date is still TBD–feel free to let them know it’s coming as soon as they announce their candidacy.

Promoting your event is key to getting people involved! Start by using social media platforms—Facebook, Instagram, X and Bluesky are great for reaching a broad audience. You can also create an event on platforms like Eventbrite to make it easy for people to RSVP. Don’t forget local networks such as community centres, universities, and workplaces, and try reaching out to local media or influencers who align with the campaign's goals. Word of mouth, flyers, and email lists can help too. Once you’ve registered your event with us, we will also include it on the ETV website calendar for folks to see. 

Recent federal byelections have seen a surge in candidates running for office, where the vast majority are doing so simply to protest Canada’s electoral system and have little hope or intention of being elected. An Eat Think Vote event where dozens of candidates are invited to speak would not be productive. When inviting candidates, use your discretion. To ensure a non-partisan event, be sure to invite those who are candidates of parties already represented in Parliament (such as the Liberals, Conservatives, Bloc Québécois, New Democratic Party and Green Party). If you are in a riding with strong support for independent candidates or those of other registered parties you may invite them as well, but do not feel obliged to invite everyone.

Not necessarily! The space needed depends on the type of event you’re hosting and how many people you expect. You can host smaller events in living rooms, cafes, or community halls. Larger gatherings may need more spacious venues, but the focus should always be on creating a comfortable environment for conversation and participation. Weather permitting, you can even hold an event outdoors–it’s been done before!

Absolutely! Hybrid or fully virtual events are a possibility. Virtual events are a great way to reach people who might not be able to attend in person, or if you are in a large electoral district. You can host a webinar, Zoom call, or a live-streamed event to engage a broader audience. Whether it’s a panel discussion, Q&A session, or a virtual dinner, these events can be highly impactful and allow for interaction regardless of location.

We encourage you to make use of a space that’s available free of charge, such as a community hall, a local partnering café, or a park. Providing food can also incur a cost–that’s why, if you choose to incorporate food into your event, we’d encourage you to find a local producer who’d be willing to sponsor the event, or perhaps you can cook a simple yet delicious meal. Obviously, costs can vary depending on the type and scale of your event. Costs may come into play if you decide to rent a space or equipment, or pay for catering or marketing materials. If you do find yourself needing to incur some costs to host the event, you could collect donations at the event itself. 

Making your event accessible is crucial for inclusivity. Consider hosting the event in a venue or space that is accessible for those with reduced mobility. Ensure that your venue is easy to find and navigate for people with different mobility needs. If you are in a district with one or more significant language minorities, consider providing interpretation. Sign language interpreters may also be helpful. Additionally, provide materials in alternative formats such as large print or digital documents for those with visual impairments. The goal is to make sure everyone feels welcome and able to participate.

Providing food or drinks is entirely up to you and the nature of your event. If you're hosting a dinner or potluck, food is obviously a key part. For smaller discussions or workshops, light refreshments or snacks are a great touch to encourage participation. Offering food or drinks can create a more welcoming, relaxed atmosphere, but it’s not required unless it’s central to the type of event you're hosting.

If you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry—you’re not alone! The Eat Think Vote campaign toolkit provides helpful resources, event planning guides, and support to get you going. Start by determining your goal for the event: do you want to educate, organize, or engage people in action? Do you want to communicate a message to your prospective federal candidates? From there, choose a format (discussion, activity, etc.) and begin planning. If you need help, reach out to us and we’d be happy to assist.