Fork and Spoon - November 2009

This is Food Banks Canada's monthly newsletter, keeping you informed about national programs and initiatives.

The CAFB's HUNGER COUNT 2009

The HungerCount 2009 report has been released by the Food Banks Canada. The report is a snapshot of foodbank use nation-wide during the month of March. It is a comprehensive report on hunger and food bank use in Canada, with recommendations for change

Welfare Cases Jump - May 22, 2009

The latest numbers from the Ministry of Housing and Social Development show the number of people on social assistance who were able and expected to work has increased 49.8 per cent in the last six months.

 

A Poverty Backgrounder - April 2009

A wealth of information on poverty in Richmond, prepared by the Richmond PRC.

 

Understanding the Link Between Welfare Policy and the Use of Food Banks

This report examines who uses food banks in Canada and how food bank use relates to changes in government welfare policy. The report makes several recommendations to help ensure that all residents have a right to adequate and appropriate food.

 

Food Security Issues in a Public Health Context

Kay Wong, our community nutritionist, has forwarded two excellent papers from the National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health pertaining to food security within the public health context. (Synthesis Paper) (Literature Review)

Transitional strategies in Richmond include pocket markets (improving access) and community kitchens and community gardens (building individual and community social capital and capacity) - as well as providing alternatives to the social stigma associated with food banks.

Cost of Eating in BC

For an average family of four (two adults, two children) in the Lower Mainland, it costs about $796 to purchase a healthy food basket according to this Vancouver Coastal Health study.

 

Vancouver Foundation's Vital Signs Report

Vancouver Foundation's Vital Signs report card on Metro Vancouver, now in its third year, pinpoints the strengths and weaknesses, and the opportunities and challenges faced by approximately two million people who call metro Vancouver “home”.

More than 1000 took part in the online survey and more than 800 in telephone surveys. The resulting report is used widely as a source of talking points in community groups, schools, and political forums. (pdf)

Richmond's Food System Assessment

Vancouver Coastal Health is working in partnership with communities across the region to address food security issues.  Currently, there are 8 local Community Food Action Initiative committees in the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority.  The local committees include Richmond, Vancouver, North Shore, Sea-to-Sky, Sunshine Coast, Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola. 

Each Committee has completed an environmental scan, a food system assessment and gap analysis and a 3-year action plan. Please see Richmond's Executive Summary and Full Report.

 

British Columbia Medical Association's Healthy Kids web page

Over half of Canadian children and teens are not active enough for healthy growth and development.  But future health problems can be prevented today.

Dietitians of Canada - "Eat Well Live Well"

Dietitians of Canada is an association of food and nutrition professionals committed to the health and well-being of Canadians.