Ben Earle is an accomplished nonprofit executive, community developer, and applied policy researcher, who has extensive experience working in and for community organizations in Ontario. With a BA in Applied Anthropology from McMaster University and an MA in Critical Criminology from Ontario Tech University, Ben has combined a strong academic grounding with extensive community experience to support research and community development activities in Durham region, working to find innovative solutions to community concerns and challenges. Recent work in the community includes being co-chair of the Mayor of Oshawa’s Spirit of Service initiative to address homelessness. and as the community service representative on the Region of Durham’s COVID Recovery Task Force.

For the past five years, Ben has led Feed the Need in Durham as the organizations Executive Director. In this role he has supported and expanded the organization’s mandate to collect and distribute fresh and non-perishable food to organizations serving those in need across the community.

In addition to his work with Feed the Need in Durham, Ben works with both the Basic Income Canada Network and UBI Works, where he helps to coordinate national research and education initiatives on this important subject. He has also worked closely with local labour market planning organizations, supporting planning and development work to build a more inclusive labour market and economy in Ontario.

A lifelong resident of Bowmanville, Ben lives in Bowmanville with his wife, 6 year old daughter, 4 year old son, and big dog named Sam!