"The way our food comes to us has been shaped by corporations and governments, international institutions and oligarchs. The best way to arrive at a balanced, just and sustainable food system is to have a democratic conversation about it."

– Raj Patel, author of Starved & Stuffed

Troinoa was founded on July 28th, 2006, by Danielle Franz, a food activist. This Toronto-based company is devoted to linking function with enjoyment through education and the development of functional products.

Experiences are best enjoyed in the spirit of balance. Troinoa's intention is to provide products that are good for the body, respectful to the earth, and fair to the community. Educating people to be conscious consumers is more than a political statement; it is a way of living.

The Yogalicious™ product brand was developed to address the gap between healthy, nutritious products and the dessert and snack sector. Troinoa believes that healthy, functional foods should form an optimal component to any diet.

Danielle Franz

Danielle has a vast array of skills, all of which stem from her passion for people and human rights. As an advocate, activist, social worker and entrepreneur, Danielle can reflect on 18 years of challenges faced and accomplished.

Always forward thinking as well as actively involved in advocacy and innovation, Danielle's vocational involvements include: Toronto Distress Centres and Conflict Mediation Services of Downsview, the "Miss G Project" and the Riverdale Food Working Group. An advocate for the promotion of equity in education to combat sexism and unhealthy images of women in the media, Danielle understands the clear disconnect between many media portrayed images of health, nutrition and body image. Understanding that health and body image are directly related to food access and food security, Danielle advocates for the right of all people to nutritious, local, affordable and culturally appropriate foods.

After completing an international placement and research assignment in India exploring the relationship between food systems, cooperative business models and food sustainability, Danielle's goal was to underscore local and global perspectives required for critical consciousness towards food security. Using an arts-based, qualitative research design, including photovoice, Danielle investigated perceptions of community and food security with several women's cooperatives. Results highlighted the need for sustainable development based on systems of economics that support interdependence and cooperation as opposed to capitalist principles of competition. This experience has afforded Danielle with a global perspective on food sustainability and the need for food systems that support food equity.

Danielle has taken her passion for health and social activism by forming Troinoa Inc., an Ontario-based company that produces and promotes functional products that are "balanced" in Ontario. Drawing on both homeopathic and yogic philosophies of balance, Troinoa creates products that appeal to popular culture without compromise on taste or nutritional benefits. In 2005, Danielle collaboratively invented, Yogalicious, a frozen novelty dessert turned healthy – making what is delicious also nutritious. The product awaits NHP designation, making it one of the first “health products” in the novelty dessert sector with an NHP license. The product encourages conscious consuming on a mental as well as physical level. Troinoa’s intention is to create and market eco-friendly, locally produced health products that support local farmers and educate consumers about the importance of conscious consumerism to enable a balance of mind, body and spirit.

Danielle holds a unique blend of experience, passion for people and inquisitive thirst for philosophical debate. Holding a B.Sc. in Health Science, a BSW in Social Work, Danielle is scheduled to complete her Masters in Social Work in October 2010. Applying her knowledge, research and networking skills, Danielle has developed her marketing and business acumen. A proven networking whiz, she has gained the support of several key players such as the Canadian Dairy Commission, the Guelph Food Technology Centre, Carrot Cache and Rhythm Communications. With a sprinkle of business speak, and a large dose of emotional intelligence, Danielle and Troinoa are a socially responsible venue to explore the potential of a synergistic balance between health, products and business principles.