This summer, Elena Iacono, a second generation Italian Canadian, devoted her time to a secret project: turning her late grandmother's Italian recipes into a philanthropic cookbook. At first, Elena cooked as a way to grieve her grandmother and delight her husband with Southern Italian meals, but soon she realized the dishes could be something more.

“It came to me one Sunday afternoon in July," she said. “I’m going to write a book, share my Nonna’s recipes, and give all proceeds to Food Banks Canada to help support food security efforts.” Her nonna, Maria Dicembre Canci, passed away in April. There was no funeral, and no eulogy for their “Nonna Ma.” The family was not even allowed to say goodbye in person.