Over the years, we’ve explored numerous arts-based and participatory approaches to a wide range of areas: from oral histories and traditional knowledge exchange, to this year’s learning about food production and trade across traditional territories. This week, and to have a little fun we thought it was important to also focus on one of the most important traditional foods ever to grace northern kitchens: Pizza Pops.
Yes, that’s right, Pizza Pops — those iconic, doughy pockets of cheesy goodness aren’t just a snack; they’re a key staple for teenagers everywhere and huge part of Winnipeg’s food production history.
“Pizza Pops are weird pizza.”
Pizza Pops, a popular Canadian snack, were invented in Winnipeg, Manitoba. These handheld pockets of dough filled with various pizza ingredients were created by Paul Faraci in 1964. Faraci was an entrepreneur and restaurateur who sought to develop a convenient and tasty snack that could be easily enjoyed on the go. The original Pizza Pops were made by hand in Faraci’s restaurant before gaining popularity and transitioning to mass production. Pizza Pops continue to be produced in Winnipeg.
Eventually, the product was acquired by Pillsbury Canada and later by General Mills, who continue to produce and distribute Pizza Pops across Canada. Over the years, the brand has expanded its variety of fillings, offering options like pepperoni, deluxe, and three cheese, among others. Despite their widespread availability today, Pizza Pops remain a quintessentially Winnipeg treat with roots deeply embedded in Canada’s culinary history.
About our summer programming
Youth, Arts and Media Team summer activities are supported with funding and support from a number of partners and collaborators, including: Global Dignity Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, the University of Minnesota Duluth, Manitoba Agriculture and the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. We also thank the OpenAI Researcher Access Program, Agri-Food and Agriculture Canada and the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Skills Program. Thank you for supporting the Youth, Arts and Media Team.
