Navigating Legitimacy: Social Entrepreneurship and School Food in Canada

Abstract

This thesis explores the perceived legitimacy of social entrepreneurship (SE) in delivering school food programs (SFPs) in Canada. While SE offers innovative approaches to social challenges, it remains underrecognized in a policy space traditionally led by nonprofit organizations (NPOs). Using narrative analysis of 18 interviews and guided by legitimacy theory, the study finds that SE legitimacy is shaped by community ties, reinvestment narratives, and moral framing. However, SE actors face structural barriers, limited policy inclusion, and stakeholder skepticism. These findings suggest that while SE has potential to complement existing SFP delivery, greater policy recognition and clearer definitions are needed to support its role.