People and programs 05/23/2025 "Food is more than just fuel. It’s identity, history, and healing." – Mystery Furtado, Type Diabeat It When people talk about diabetes prevention, they often focus just on “healthy” diets. Often, those diets referred to are very White-centric and overlook the diverse ways that different cultures approach food and nutrition. For many African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities in Canada, food is more than just fuel; it’s culture, history, and identity. Yet, mainstream healthcare and food systems keep ignoring the needs of these communities. This lack of representation leads to higher risks of type 2 diabetes and other health issues. Type Diabeat It is changing this. This Black-led nonprofit combines food literacy, cultural connection, and community support to fight diabetes in a way that truly serves the people. By reclaiming food as a source of both nourishment and identity, the organization is reshaping health education in Canada. Since 2018, Type Diabeat It has been dedicated to improving the health of the ACB communities in London, Ontario. The organization recognizes that food insecurity increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 50%. Rather than simply prescribing dietary changes, they take a holistic approach—integrating food education with cultural and historical connections. By doing so, they make nutrition education more meaningful, accessible, and empowering for the communities. Type Diabeat It is a member of CFCC’s Good Food Organization (GFO) network. CFCC had the privilege of learning more about this wonderful organization directly from Mystery Furtado, the founder of Type Diabeat It. Afrocentric food literacy: Why representation matters One of Type Diabeat It’s biggest programs is the Afrocentric food literacy curriculum. It teaches children, youth, adults, and seniors about their cultural food traditions while promoting healthier eating habits. The program, running in seven elementary schools, helps students learn how African and Caribbean food has shaped global cuisine. This connection encourages them to make healthier food choices based on their heritage. For older adults, the Chop Eat Learn program provides monthly cooking classes. Many food programs fail to offer culturally appropriate meals, making it hard for seniors to find nutritious options. Chop Eat Learn ensures Black seniors have access to familiar, healthy meals while also teaching them how to manage diabetes through diet. Growing food, growing community A key part of Type Diabeat It’s mission is its 1.5-acre farm, where they grow Afrocentric vegetables and herbs. This farm provides fresh produce to over 150 families each month. But more than that, it helps the community reclaim control over its food sources. The farm is also a place of learning. Community members can reconnect with agricultural traditions that have been passed down through generations. By growing foods like okra, plantain, and cassava, Type Diabeat It challenges the food systems that often ignore Black dietary needs. As Mystery says, "Access to ethnic foods is critical, and working alongside pioneers like the African Food Basket has been inspiring. We’re currently collaborating on a project centered on the idea that food is medicine." Beyond diabetes: fighting systemic barriers Type Diabeat It understands that health is about more than just personal choices. Many of their clients face barriers like lack of transportation, food deserts, and healthcare systems that don’t recognize their needs. Their goal is equity, not just equality—making sure healthcare and food systems work for everyone. Despite their impact, Black-led organizations like Type Diabeat It struggle for funding and institutional support. "The colonial systems that continue to disenfranchise Black-led organizations need to be addressed," says Mystery. The organization hopes to one day open a Black-led health center, providing nutrition education, wellness programs, and culturally competent healthcare in one place. A vision for the future Mystery Furtado and Type Diabeat It dreams of a future where Black communities don’t have to rely on grants and outside help to keep their programs running. "We don’t just want to meet a need—we want to create lasting change," she says. "Food is more than just fuel. It’s identity, history, and healing." By focusing on cultural representation, Type Diabeat It is proving that health education needs more than generic advice. It needs real connections, community empowerment, and an understanding of how food shapes identity. Through its holistic approach, Type Diabeat It is not just helping prevent diabetes. It is reshaping how Black communities in Canada think about food, health, and culture.
"Food is more than just fuel. It’s identity, history, and healing." – Mystery Furtado, Type Diabeat It When people talk about diabetes prevention, they often focus just on “healthy” diets. Often, those diets referred to are very White-centric and overlook the diverse ways that different cultures approach food and nutrition. For many African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities in Canada, food is more than just fuel; it’s culture, history, and identity. Yet, mainstream healthcare and food systems keep ignoring the needs of these communities. This lack of representation leads to higher risks of type 2 diabetes and other health issues. Type Diabeat It is changing this. This Black-led nonprofit combines food literacy, cultural connection, and community support to fight diabetes in a way that truly serves the people. By reclaiming food as a source of both nourishment and identity, the organization is reshaping health education in Canada. Since 2018, Type Diabeat It has been dedicated to improving the health of the ACB communities in London, Ontario. The organization recognizes that food insecurity increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 50%. Rather than simply prescribing dietary changes, they take a holistic approach—integrating food education with cultural and historical connections. By doing so, they make nutrition education more meaningful, accessible, and empowering for the communities. Type Diabeat It is a member of CFCC’s Good Food Organization (GFO) network. CFCC had the privilege of learning more about this wonderful organization directly from Mystery Furtado, the founder of Type Diabeat It. Afrocentric food literacy: Why representation matters One of Type Diabeat It’s biggest programs is the Afrocentric food literacy curriculum. It teaches children, youth, adults, and seniors about their cultural food traditions while promoting healthier eating habits. The program, running in seven elementary schools, helps students learn how African and Caribbean food has shaped global cuisine. This connection encourages them to make healthier food choices based on their heritage. For older adults, the Chop Eat Learn program provides monthly cooking classes. Many food programs fail to offer culturally appropriate meals, making it hard for seniors to find nutritious options. Chop Eat Learn ensures Black seniors have access to familiar, healthy meals while also teaching them how to manage diabetes through diet. Growing food, growing community A key part of Type Diabeat It’s mission is its 1.5-acre farm, where they grow Afrocentric vegetables and herbs. This farm provides fresh produce to over 150 families each month. But more than that, it helps the community reclaim control over its food sources. The farm is also a place of learning. Community members can reconnect with agricultural traditions that have been passed down through generations. By growing foods like okra, plantain, and cassava, Type Diabeat It challenges the food systems that often ignore Black dietary needs. As Mystery says, "Access to ethnic foods is critical, and working alongside pioneers like the African Food Basket has been inspiring. We’re currently collaborating on a project centered on the idea that food is medicine." Beyond diabetes: fighting systemic barriers Type Diabeat It understands that health is about more than just personal choices. Many of their clients face barriers like lack of transportation, food deserts, and healthcare systems that don’t recognize their needs. Their goal is equity, not just equality—making sure healthcare and food systems work for everyone. Despite their impact, Black-led organizations like Type Diabeat It struggle for funding and institutional support. "The colonial systems that continue to disenfranchise Black-led organizations need to be addressed," says Mystery. The organization hopes to one day open a Black-led health center, providing nutrition education, wellness programs, and culturally competent healthcare in one place. A vision for the future Mystery Furtado and Type Diabeat It dreams of a future where Black communities don’t have to rely on grants and outside help to keep their programs running. "We don’t just want to meet a need—we want to create lasting change," she says. "Food is more than just fuel. It’s identity, history, and healing." By focusing on cultural representation, Type Diabeat It is proving that health education needs more than generic advice. It needs real connections, community empowerment, and an understanding of how food shapes identity. Through its holistic approach, Type Diabeat It is not just helping prevent diabetes. It is reshaping how Black communities in Canada think about food, health, and culture.