(information provided by Tracey Perri, Public Health Dietitian and Chair of APH Food Security Committee)
Algoma Public Health recognizes the importance of food security as a social determinant of health and has identified food security as a strategic direction for the agency. Algoma Public Health is working to increase awareness of the issue of food security across Algoma District and to advocate for communities where all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life (World Food Summit, 1996).
Algoma Public Health is interested in partnering with community agencies and groups who play a role in food security in order to work together to increase awareness of the issue and to advocate for policies and resources that will assist in overcoming current individual and community food insecurities.
Some activities/initiatives that APH staff are involved in around food security include:
1. Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program: Algoma Public Health administers the Sault Ste. Marie Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program which provides free milk and food to pregnant women in financial need. Approximately ¼ of all births in Sault Ste. Marie access this program. There are also Canada Prenatal Nutrition Programs in Wawa, Elliot Lake and the North Shore.
2. Northern Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Program: Algoma Public Health administers the Northern Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Program with funding from the Ministry of Health Promotion. This program provides fresh fruits and vegetables to 25 schools across Algoma District. Once a week, participating schools receive fresh, Ontario-grown produce that is provided to students 3 days a week. While this program is not intended to be a food security initiative, but rather to increase awareness and exposure to fresh fruits and vegetables, it does provide food-insecure children access to fruits and vegetables. A local coordinator has been hired for a one year contract. The program started in October 2007 and the response has been very positive.
3. In December 2006, Algoma Public Health held a Hunger Awareness event and released the “Hidden Hunger: Food Insecurity in Algoma” report across Algoma.
4. In December 2007 a media release was put out about making a difference for hungry individuals by highlighting the Good Food Box and encouraging people to sponsor families to receive it.
5. Staff involved with the Community Action Program for Children run Community Kitchens.
6. Staff provide referrals to community agencies such as food banks, housing, community kitchens, community gardens, Good Food Box, Christmas Cheer, Social Services, local farmer’s markets etc.
7. Staff across numerous programs provide education/skill development and support around healthy eating, grocery shopping, menu planning, basic food preparation, food safety, breastfeeding, how to run a community kitchen etc.
8. Staff participate on various community coalitions such as the Student Nutrition Program, Homelessness Coalition, Algoma Food Network etc.
9. Algoma Public Health does an annual Nutritious Food Basket costing in 7 stores across Algoma District. Sixty-six food items are costed. “The Cost of Eating Well in Algoma District” report provides information on the weekly cost to feed individuals according to age and sex and can be used as an advocacy tool.
10. Staff are working with schools to promote a healthy nutrition environment by improving the quality and availability of healthy foods.
11. Provide/facilitate the “Poverty Game” to school boards and interested community groups to raise awareness of the difficulty of living on a limited income.
For more information, please contact:
Tracey Perri, RD
Public Health Dietician
Algoma Public Health
99 Foster Drive, Civic Centre, 6th Floor
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 5X6
Tel: (705) 541-7158 Fax: (705) 759-1534
