This thesis sets out to explore how are food social enterprises in the Guelph-Wellington region are creating a circular food economy and alleviating food insecurity in the region. This research offers insights for Regional Development Agencies, Canadian Legislature, Mayors, Councils and Committees, Public Health agencies, non-profits, private businesses, entrepreneurs into the role that food social enterprise can play within their communities. The research design incorporated semi-structured interviews with pertinent food social enterprises found through a multistep sample strategy. Food social enterprises in Guelph-Wellington have displayed how they can be a place to make investments for job growth and innovation; how they can bring key stakeholders together to build collaborations and explore solutions to on-ground issues; how they can align and advocate for change with regional resilience and prosperity goals; and lastly, how they can become pathfinders to support their communities and achieve their social and environmental goals with interdisciplinary teams.