The Appleby Award.
Honouring the legacy of Candice Appleby
The Small Scale Food Processor Association (SSFPA) is proud to introduce the Appleby Award, created in honour of our long-time Executive Director, Candice Appleby. Candice dedicated decades to strengthening Canada’s small-scale food sector through advocacy, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the people who make our food systems thrive.
The Appleby Award recognizes one SSFPA member each year who reflects Candice’s values and demonstrates passion, resilience, and commitment to building a stronger food system.
About the Award.
The recipient of the Appleby Award receives:
- One year of full access to the AEMS platform, including tools that support food safety readiness, traceability, scaling up, and operational excellence.
- Recognition at the SSFPA Annual General Meeting.
- A feature in SSFPA communications to celebrate their work and impact.
This award is designed to support a small processor whose work would be significantly strengthened by access to AEMS.
Who is eligible?
The award is open to:
- Small-scale food processors in Canada
- Business with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees
Key dates
- February 3: Applications open
- March 4 at 11:59 PM PT: Applications close
- End of March: Winner notified
Tips for a strong application
- Be specific. Real examples from your business or work are more impactful than general statements.
- Focus on impact, not perfection. We’re looking for potential and commitment — not polished marketing language.
- Connect your story to Candice’s values. Think about collaboration, resilience, advocacy, and community.
- Explain how you’ll use AEMS. You don’t need technical expertise — just a clear sense of how the platform would support your goals.
- Keep it concise. Short, thoughtful responses are easier for the selection committee to review.
- You don’t need to have everything figured out. Early-stage and growing businesses are encouraged to apply.
If you have questions, please contact the SSFPA team before the deadline.
What we’re looking for.
Successful applicants will demonstrate:
Alignment with
Candice’s values
Collaboration, community building, perseverance, advocacy, and commitment to safe, local, and sustainable food.
Impact of
AEMS access
How the platform will help the applicant advance food safety, scaling-up efforts, market access, or operational readiness.
Contribution to
food system
Local sourcing, job creation, social or environmental sustainability, or support for rural, Indigenous, or underserved communities.
Demonstrated
need
Financial or operational barriers that make AEMS access especially meaningful.
Honouring Candice
Candice Appleby believed in the power of small processors to transform local economies, create meaningful employment, and bring good food to every community.
Candice led the SSFPA with vision, dedication, and heart for more than two decades. Under her leadership, the Association grew into a national voice for small and growing food processors across Canada. She believed deeply in collaboration, often reminding us that the strength of this sector lies in people helping people. That belief shaped her work every day.
Through her entrepreneurial spirit, compassion, and determination, Candice helped launch programs, partnerships, and advocacy efforts that continue to support and uplift food processors, particularly those often overlooked in the system. She was also a mentor and colleague, known for listening closely, encouraging boldly, and championing others with sincerity and care.
The Appleby Award continues her legacy by removing barriers, empowering entrepreneurs, and strengthening the Canadian food sector she championed.
