HTHSCI 3BB3 - F2023 - 9B

FOOD ENVIRONMENTS:

Structural factors (social/cultural, physical, digital, economic, political, communication) impact dietary behaviours by influencing how we acquire, select, prepare and consume food.

What affects food environments?

Food availability & diversity

• Food accessibility

• Food affordability

• Social acceptability of dietary patterns

• Food and nutrition information (including food marketing)

Who sets the minimum expectations for public health programs and services delivered in Hamilton and Region of Waterloo?

The Ontario Ministry of Health

Food System Framework

A healthy community food system is one where all of these components work together to enhance the environmental, economic, social, and nutritional health of a community.

Hamilton food strategy goals

1. support food friendly neighbourhoods

2. increase food literacy

3. support local food and help grow the agri sector

4. advocate for healthy food systems

Recreation food and beverage action plan

- food and beverage guidelines

- increase nutritious options

- reduce non-nutritious options

- promote tap water and reduce bottled water

- promote healthy food and beverage options

- monitor and evaluate

Public health encourages schools to:

Provide a positive eating environment

Respect students' natural hunger and fullness cues

Promote positive body image

Provide hands-on opportunities to build food literacy

Support students in developing healthy relationships with food

food insecurity

inadequate or insecure access to food due to household financial constraints"

Ontario Dietitians in Public Health (ODPH) considers food insecurity to be:

an urgent public health problem and social justice issue

Effective policy interventions target:

low- income households to improve their financial circumstances

ODPH campaign

raise awareness and action on food insecurity

food access

having sufficient resources to obtain appropriate foods for a nutritious diet

Food literacy

understanding the impact of food choices on health, the environment, and the community in order to choose properly

Hamilton Breastfeeding Coalition Vision

To positively influence the health of mothers, infants and children in the community through the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding.

Hamilton Breastfeeding Coalition Projects

Pregnancy and postpartum online services guide that includes breastfeeding in collaboration with the RedBook (Hamilton Public Library)- Coordinating breastfeeding education opportunities for health care providers

Child care nutrition recommendations include:

tools and resources coordinated through the Child Care Working Group of ODPH

How can yousupport healthy eating in the community?

- Be critical of nutrition beliefs & ensure the messages you promote are evidence-informed, credible and relevant.

- Embrace that healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes

When promoting healthy eating, focus on:

- Healthy Bodies come in a range of weights, shapes and sizes. - Listening to physical cues of hunger and fullness.

- Eating a variety of foods to meet energy and nutrient needs.

- Active living and the joy of feeling your body move.

- Enjoying a variety of foods.

- Emphasizing the importance of enjoying a variety of nutrient- rich foods.

- Allowing youth to taste food on their own terms , which encourages a positive experience for everyone.

FOOD SKILL PROGRAMS IN HAMILTON

Hamilton Food Literacy Network; currently updating the Hamilton Edible Education Guide

Hamilton Community Food Centre

Compass Community Health

Hamilton Urban CORE CHC

Hamilton Family Health Team

NUTRITION & FOOD ACCESS SUPPORTS FOR OLDER ADULTS

Older Adults Nutrition Screening and Resources

Meals on Wheels

Food Access Guide

Directory of Community Resources for older adults

Senior & Older Adult Resources

WATERLOO REGION PEER PROGRAM

• Trained and certified Peer Health Workers•

- Each year 25-35 peer workers deliver over 150 different programs