THRIVE! FOOD AT THE CENTRE

Community Health Board Conference, October 18, 2013

Patty Williams, Canada Research Chair in Food Security and Policy Change

Director, FoodARC, Mount Saint Vincent University

Thrive! Food at the Centre…

What? What do we know about food security in NS

communities? What food issues are coming up for CHBs?

Why? Why is this happening?

So What? What are the implications for health? What is being done about it and what difference

is it making? Now What?

How can CHBs do to support THRIVE!?

WHAT do we know about food insecurity in NS?

Tarasuk, Mitchell & Dachner, 2013

What is the monthly financial impact of purchasing a nutritious diet in NS?

*

* Family of four on Income Assistance

Williams et al. 2012, CJPH, 103(3):183-8

What is the monthly financial impact of purchasing a nutritious

diet in NS?*

*Family of four relying on Minimum Wage

$5.80/hr $6.50/hr $7.60/hr $8.10/hr $9.20/hr

(2008 NNFB)

Newell et al., forthcoming

Voices…women living with food

security in NS“The most difficult situation I’ve had to face is the realization that I cannot afford to feed my family the foods that I know they need. Not just the foods they need for every day meals, but also special foods for each of their individual developmental stages. At times I have become very depressed and angry with myself for having three children and not being able to properly maintain the type of life they so deserve. I’ve gone through stores with $20 knowing that this is for two weeks... I would have never thought that I would be in such a predicament…”

Williams et al. 2012, JHEN, 7: 253-270

What do we know about challenges for sustainable food

systems in NS? Smaller percentage of total expenditures on food

Increasing farm debt $203 million in 1983 vs. $795 million in 2010

An aging population of farmers (~7% <35yrs)

13% of food dollars spent go back to NS farms

NS only province in Canada to show in the number of farms since 2006 (2.9%)

Interest in fresh local and sustainable seafood products but most ground fish exported whole

WHY is this happening?

Nova Scotia Participatory Food Security Projects Policy Working Group, 2006

WHY is this happening?

Cost and affordability of a basic nutritious diet

Experience of food insecurity Availability of locally produced

foods Indicators of community food

security Understanding the landscape

around food-related policy Constraints, enablers and

opportunities Dialogue processes at community,

provincial and national levels

So what? Implications for health

Adults and adolescents in food insecure households have lower intakes of milk products, fruits and vegetables higher risk of inadequate nutrient intakes.

Experiencing hunger has negative, long-term effects on children’s health.

Independent of other social determinants of health, adults with some indication of household food insecurity are more likely to have poorer physical and mental health multiple chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart

disease, hypertension, and depression.

Tarasuk, 2012

SO WHAT is being done about it?

2005

2012

2006-07

2010

2001

NS Food Security NetworkIncludes organizations

working on various aspects of food security throughout

the province

A growing food movement… FSC National Assembly Nov

2014, NSFPC, local food networks and coalitions, etc.

Creating the conditions for food security in NS: Ways to get involved

2011

Onward

Voices for Food Security in Nova Scotia…

NOW WHAT can CHB’s do to support community food security?

Support a Healthy Start for Children and Families

Equip People with Skills and Knowledge for Lifelong Health

Create More Opportunities to Eat Well and Be Active

Plan and Build Healthier Communities

Support a Healthy Start for Children and Families &

Equip People with Skills and Knowledge for Lifelong Health

Example: Community-based programs, e.g. Kids Action Program (KAP)

Network of CAPC/CPNP-funded outreach programs for at risk families and children in Annapolis Valley

How do they build food security for families and communities? Food centred programming (gardening, food box, etc.) that builds

skills and knowledge Relationships and social networks Research, advocacy & awareness

How can CHBs participate? Support community-based programs and partnerships

That facilitate participation of at-risk populations (childcare, transportation, breastfeeding support, etc)

That enable organizations to engage in true community development work

Raise the profile of these services within the community Engage first voice experience of food access issues in the development of

health plans Partner with community-based programs to develop critical health/food

literacy programs

Shaw, S. Master’s Thesis (Forthcoming).

“They are there to help me in any way they can, whether it be an appointment, food, anything like that, they were always right there and that was something that was above and beyond for me. Like their job – I know they get paid to do these things; they go above and beyond all the time [and] they [referring to Kids Action Program] have resources and ways around things to help you that most people didn’t even know were available...”

Shaw, S. Master’s Thesis (Forthcoming).

Voices…

Engage multiple perspectives and alternative methods for community

food securityExample: Local Food Network, e.g. Tri County Local Food Network, Cumberland Food Action

Network

Helps build and support a sustainable, healthy, local food system that is accessible to all through action, education, advocacy, and relationship building.

How can CHB participate? Support actions the network identifies they need to move

forward Learn about alternative strategies for food security Engage diverse perspectives on food related health

issues Participate in policy change by connecting with decision

makers and creating positive social environments for alternative food networks

Plan and Build Healthier Communities

Example: Food Charters A statement of values and principles to guide a

community's food policy.

Community groups and members are working together to develop one for Halifax.

How can CHBs participate? Support the development of food charters at local

levels Utilise food charters to inspire community health plan

priorities in regards to food and provide linkages to other levels of decision making.

Utilise food charters as a tool for education, advocating for policy change and creating networks and partnerships within communities.

Think… challenging your own assumptions

Talk… to understand; involve those most affected

Act… If possible pay for food that reflects the true price but recognize that not everyone can. Advocate for policies that

support income adequacy Support local food economies

including fair trade Get engaged in creating

change that is meaningful for you

A Call to Action: Think, Talk, Act!

Thanks to the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness (2004-2015), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (2010-2015), Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation (2011-2015), Canadian Institutes for Health Research (2009-2013),

Public Health Agency of Canada (2004-05) and Health Canada (2001-2003) for funding support.

Thank You

For more information contact: foodsecurity@msvu.ca, or visit our website: www.foodarc.ca