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Food Security. Food Security. Access by all people at all times to adequate, safe, nutritious food in a manner which maintains human dignity.
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Food Security • Access by all people at all times to adequate, safe, nutritious food in a manner which maintains human dignity
“The inability to obtain sufficient, nutritious, personally acceptable food through normal food channels or the uncertainty that one will be able to do so” (Davis & Tarasuk, 1994) Food Insecurity Food Insecure Without Hunger Food Insecure With Some Hunger Food Secure Hunger
Food is a basic human right The inability to obtain sufficient, nutritious, personally acceptable food through normal food channels or the uncertainty that one will be able to do so results in food insecurity (Davis & Tarasuk, 1994) What is the biggest determinant of food insecurity? And WHY? Food Security is linked to Social Justice.
Is food insecurity a problem in our communities? Income is the most important determinant of food insecurity and hunger Food Security: a significant problem Percent (CCHS Cycle 1.1, 2001)
Food Security is linked to the Food System “…represents linkages between different sectors and aspects of life with respect to the production, processing, distribution, selection, acquisition, preparation, consumption and/or use of food.” (Tansey & Worsley, 1995)
Food Insecurity & our Food System • Farm income crisis: farmers can’t make a decent living • Industrial agriculture (IA) threatens environment • Oligopoly: food system is controlled by a few very big corporations Kalina, Building Food Security in Canada, 2001
Farm Income Crisis www.foodsecurityassembly.ca/presentations.php
The potential impact of food insecurity is significant… Health issues… • Compromised nutritional health, increased risk of chronic disease, compromised management of poor health • Compromised mental health • Lifelong implications of child health and development Environmental issues… • Current food systems and practices are unsustainable and detrimental Economic Issues… • Rural communities feeling the effect – loss of farming, fishing, jobs…
What can we do about food insecurity? Stage 1 Efficiency Strategies Stage 2 Substitution Strategies Stage 3 Redesign Strategies Food Security Food resource Guides linking people to alternative Food programs Charitable food programs Community kitchens, gardens, etc Food policy networks, coalitions, etc (Kalina, 2001; Houghton, 1998; MacRae, 1994)
U Alberta students • “shopping skills and budgeting, while important, would be insufficient to alleviate food insecurity for many students who require financial aid.” • Meldrum & Willows, 2006
Diet Quality of Single Mothers(Glanville, & McIntyre, 2006) • Low-Income Lone mothers diet quality • 35.5% poor • 64.5% in need of improvement • Children’s diet quality • 1-3 years – 22.7% – good • 1-3 years – 74.6% -- needs improvement • 4-8 years – 2.1% -- good • 9-14 years – 0% -- good
Careers in Food Security • Working with Family Resource Centres (CPNP) • Working with Aboriginal people in Health Centres • Working in low income neighbourhoods (e.g., Northend Community Health Centre) • Working with housing projects (seniors, low income)
Show Interest in Food Security • Join NS Food Security Network • Volunteer at Food Banks • Volunteer at Family Resource Centres • Volunteer at Assisted Community Living Centres • Write to politicians • Increase awareness in your community
Video Presentation • website http://www.foodthoughtful.ca/video2.html • Workbook also on this site
Suggested Reading • Suggested Reading: DC Position Statements • Individual and Household Food Insecurity in Canada • Community Food Security www.dietitians.ca/news/highlights_positions.asp
Required Readings • Bengoa, 1997. A half-century perspective on world nutrition and international nutrition agencies. • Dwyer, 1998. Sour milk • Aase, 2010. Is an overseas career opportunity for you?