Asma Musa
Asma Musa is a passionate young community leader and Registered Dietitian committed to advancing food justice and Black food sovereignty. She serves as the Coordinator of the Black School Food Working Group and is the founder of QQC: Quraac, Qado iyo Casho, a Somali-led school food initiative that centres cultural nourishment and youth empowerment. Asma brings her lived experience and public health expertise into every space she enters; whether leading mentorship programs, organizing policy roundtables, or co-creating nutrition education workshops. Now a first-year PhD student at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, her research and advocacy continue to focus on culturally affirming, community-driven approaches to school food across Canada.
Quraac, Qado iyo Casho
Quraac, Qado iyo Casho (QQC) is a youth-led initiative that empowers Somali youth through culturally grounded cooking workshops that celebrate heritage and build food literacy. Through hands-on sessions focused on breakfast, lunch, and dinner, QQC equips participants with practical cooking skills, nutritional knowledge, and a deeper connection to their cultural identity; all while promoting sustainable, budget-friendly meals.
About this Project
Communities Served
My project will involve and/or impact the following communities:
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
When it comes to community impact projects, the UN has created 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These are the Sustainable Development Goals associated with my project.
How the project works
QQC will run a series of three culturally grounded cooking workshops over six weeks, each focused on a Somali meal: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Youth participants will cook together, build food literacy, and explore heritage while learning budget-friendly, nutritious skills rooted in community care and cultural pride.
Project Impact
QQC empowers Somali youth through culturally grounded cooking workshops that build food literacy, pride, and community connection. By preparing traditional meals together, participants gain valuable life skills, deepen their cultural roots, and foster intergenerational dialogue. The project nurtures identity, confidence, and leadership; laying the foundation for healthier relationships with food, self, and community.
Project Mission
Quraac, Qado iyo Casho (QQC) aims to foster cultural pride, food literacy, and community connection among Somali youth. Through interactive cooking sessions and storytelling, QQC promotes intergenerational learning, healthier eating habits, and leadership development. The project builds confidence, strengthens cultural identity, and creates space for joy, healing, and nourishment rooted in Somali food traditions.
Project Team
Led by Somali youth, our team brings community, cultural, and nutritional expertise.
- Asma Musa
- Ikran Yusuf
- Sarah Muse
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