For the Love of Hamilton
This regular feature highlights people from all walks of life who have embraced Hamilton as their new home.
PHOTOS BY GEOFF FITZGERALD
BHAIRAVI KUMAR was born and raised in India. After getting married, she moved to Pasadena, California to broaden her career. She worked in the banking sector, where she managed IT projects. When her husband accepted a position at McMaster University, the couple relocated to Hamilton, settling in Dundas with their two daughters. She is a nominee for a 2025 YWCA Women of Distinction Award in the community champion category. She enjoys staying active through long hikes and expressing my creativity in the kitchen with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
What convinced you to choose to live in Dundas?
Dundas captivated me from the moment I arrived. The small-town charm, boutique shops, amazing restaurants and natural surroundings immediately drew me in. I still vividly recall exploring Hamilton during our initial stay at a hotel after the move. Dundas offers more than scenic beauty – it boasts a vibrant arts scene, rich historic architecture, and a warm, welcoming community. Its proximity to Hamilton and Toronto ensures easy access to city conveniences while preserving the peaceful, small-town lifestyle I treasure.
What is the mandate and mission of Tastebuds, Hamilton’s Student Nutrition Collaborative?
The mandate of Tastebuds is to support the health and well-being of students by providing access to nourishing food through school-based programs. Our vision is that all students in Hamilton have universal access to healthy foods in schools and community environments to improve student success, support healthy growth, development, and lifelong eating habits. Our mission is to engage students in enjoying healthy meals and snacks in welcoming school settings and fostering positive relationships with food. We collaborate with partners, student voices, funders, dedicated volunteers, and supportive communities to strengthen our programs.
How does Tastebuds operate?
Tastebuds runs 123 programs at 110 locations across the city, providing nutritious meals to over 23,000 students daily with the help of dedicated volunteers. The program receives funding from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, community donations, grants, and local fundraising.
Collaborating with four school boards, teachers, principals, educational assistants, parents, and community members, Tastebuds ensures that programs meet each school's unique needs. Schools receive individual budgets and place weekly food orders through a dedicated web portal. Volunteers play a crucial role in preparing, serving, and managing daily operations. Through strong community partnerships and a commitment to student well-being, Tastebuds fosters healthier habits and learning environments for students citywide.
What is the biggest challenge in the work you do?
Of course, F***!!! Not enough of it. I am talking about lack of funds. As program manager at Tastebuds, my greatest challenge is meeting the rising demand for student nutrition programs amid escalating food costs. With more students relying on our services across 123 locations in Hamilton, the need for nourishing, accessible meals is more urgent than ever. However, inflation and fluctuating food prices make it increasingly difficult to stretch resources while maintaining meal quality and consistency. Balancing these pressures – ensuring no child goes without while managing financial constraints – is a constant challenge.
What is the greatest reward in your work?
The biggest reward is knowing that the work we do directly supports the health and well-being of thousands of students across 123 locations in our city. Seeing the tangible impact – whether it's a child starting their day with a nourishing meal, improved focus in the classroom, or the sense of community built around food – is incredibly fulfilling. It’s not just about providing nourishment; it’s about creating environments where students feel cared for, supported, and ready to succeed.
How much of a crisis is food insecurity among children in our community?
Ontario families are struggling as food inflation and affordability challenges put nutritious meals out of reach, especially for children – over 30 per cent of whom experience food insecurity. School food programs are under immense strain from record-high food costs and surging participation rates, stretching limited budgets and resources. Hundreds of schools are on waitlists for nutrition programs, while others are reducing food quality or service days. This crisis highlights the broader issue of food insecurity in Ontario, where 24.5 per cent of households face food insecurity, with children disproportionately affected.
Who inspires you?
My parents are my constant source of inspiration. My dad, an orthopedic surgeon, and my mom, a woman advocate and community champion, raised us to be valued citizens, instilling in me the importance of service and compassion.
What inspires me most in my work is witnessing the profound, lasting impact we make on students’ lives. There’s something incredibly powerful about seeing how a simple, nutritious meal can brighten a child’s eyes, fuel their curiosity, and give them the energy to learn and play. Moments like a shy student lighting up with a smile over their favourite snack or a heartfelt “thank you” from a child who feels seen and cared for – these moments stay with me.
What’s your take on Dundas and Hamilton?
Dundas and Hamilton are both vibrant, dynamic communities, each with their own unique charm. Hamilton is a city that’s constantly evolving, with a rich industrial history blended beautifully with a growing arts scene, diverse neighbourhoods, and strong community spirit. There’s a resilience and warmth in the people here that makes it feel like home, no matter where you’re from.
Dundas, on the other hand, offers this picturesque, small-town charm nestled within stunning natural beauty. It has a close-knit, welcoming vibe with a deep appreciation for local culture and the environment. The sense of community in Dundas is strong, and its connection to nature – from the scenic trails to the conservation areas – makes it a peaceful retreat.
How would you describe this city as a place to work in the non-profit sector?
Hamilton is an incredible city to work in the non-profit sector because of its strong sense of community, diversity, and resilience. There’s a deep-rooted culture of collaboration here. Organizations, community leaders, and residents genuinely care about making a difference and are eager to work together toward common goals. The city’s diverse population also brings unique perspectives and strengths, allowing non-profits to create programs that are inclusive, innovative, and responsive to the real needs of the community.
What Hamilton arts or cultural events do you most look forward to attending?
Hamilton has a vibrant arts and cultural scene, and there are many events I look forward to each year. One of the highlights for me is attending performances at Theatre Aquarius. I also love the Dundas Cactus Festival and Supercrawl.
What is your favourite way to spend a lazy day?
Family time is important to me, and as an empty nester, I cherish spending quality time with my husband. We enjoy a leisurely walk to downtown Dundas, often stopping at Detour Coffee for a coffee and a sandwich.
What is your favourite meal in a local restaurant?
Seoul in a Bowl from Poke Co on Ottawa Street.
What's Hamilton's best-kept secret that you've discovered?
I wouldn’t call it a secret but Dear Grain is a true treasure.
What does Hamilton need more of?
Hamilton is a city with so much to offer, but like many communities, there’s always room for growth. I believe Hamilton could benefit from more accessible community spaces where people from all walks of life can gather, connect, and collaborate. Whether it’s green spaces, cultural hubs, or inclusive recreational facilities, these spaces foster a sense of belonging and strengthen community ties.
What does Hamilton need less of?
Construction cones and potholes – because clearly, they’re in a competition to take over the roads. At this point, driving feels like an obstacle course.
What's the one thing you brag about Hamilton to outsiders?
Hamilton’s food scene is diverse and delicious, offering everything from trendy cafés to farm-to-table dining. The city is a hub for local flavours, with vibrant farmers' markets, craft breweries, and beloved eateries. Whether savouring gourmet cuisine or enjoying comfort food, Hamilton’s culinary landscape caters to every craving and taste.
IF YOU’D LIKE TO BE FEATURED IN FOR THE LOVE OF HAMILTON, PLEASE CONTACT meredith@hamiltoncitymagazine.ca
