A Participatory Food Costing Model: In Nova Scotia

2012 ◽  
Vol 73 (4) ◽  
pp. 181-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Williams ◽  
Michelle Amero ◽  
Barbara Anderson ◽  
Doris Gillis ◽  
Rebecca Green-Lapierre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Nova Scotia ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Ways Of Knowing ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Knowledge Mobilization ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Productive Research ◽  
The Many

In recognition of the growing challenge that food insecurity has on population health, a multisectoral partership in Nova Scotia has been working since 2001 to address province-wide accessibility to a nutritious diet. The participatory food costing (PFC) model has been at the forefront of provincial and national efforts to address food insecurity; a local foods component was incorporated in 2004. This model has engaged community partners, including those affected by food insecurity, in all stages of the research, thereby building capacity at multiple levels to influence policy change and food systems redesign. By putting principles of participatory action research into practice, dietitians have contributed their technical, research, and facilitation expertise to support capacity building among the partners. The PFC model has provided people experiencing food insecurity with a mechanism for sharing their voices. By valuing different ways of knowing, the model has faciliated muchneeded dialogue on the broad and interrelated determinants of food security and mobilized knowledge that reflects these perspectives. The development of the model is described, as are lessons learned from a decade of highly productive research and knowledge mobilization that have increased stakeholders’ understanding of and involvement in addressing the many facets of food security in Nova Scotia.

Capacity building and personal empowerment: participatory food costing in Nova Scotia, Canada

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 321-330
Author(s):  
Hiliary Monteith ◽  
Barbara Anderson ◽  
Patricia L Williams
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Nova Scotia ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Capacity Building ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Readiness To Change ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Human Right ◽  
Personal Empowerment ◽  
Individual Capacity

Abstract Food insecurity impacts millions of people globally. It has been recognized as a priority and a human right by the United Nations where empowerment of women is identified as a significant goal in addressing food insecurity. In the Maritime Province of Nova Scotia (NS), Canada, more than one in five children live in food insecure households. Since 2002, participatory action research (PAR) has been an integral component of food costing in NS with an aim to support capacity building for food security. Building on earlier research that examined short-term outcomes, and recognizing a lack of research examining outcomes of PAR processes, this study aimed to explore the medium-term individual capacity building processes and outcomes of women involved in Participatory Food Costing (PFC). Findings revealed that capacities were built with respect to interrelated themes of ‘awareness, participation, personal development, readiness to change, political impact, influence on others, self-esteem, project growth and project continuity’. In addition, the involvement of these women in PFC resulted in both personal empowerment and food security-related policy change. Involving vulnerable populations through PAR is valuable in influencing health-related policy.

scholarly journals Food Security, Environmental Health, and the Economy in Mexico: Lessons Learned with the COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 7470
Author(s):  
Rebeca Monroy-Torres ◽  
Ángela Castillo-Chávez ◽  
Erika Carcaño-Valencia ◽  
Marco Hernández-Luna ◽  
Alex Caldera-Ortega ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Environmental Health ◽  
Public Policies ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Civil Society Organizations ◽  
Human Right ◽  
Healthy Environment ◽  
Mesh Terms

The COVID-19 pandemic showed an impact mainly on the health of people and the economy of households. The levels of food security in the world’s households, especially in Mexico, have decreased. When people do not have food security, their health is compromised and they have financial problems; on the other hand, environmental deterioration has a link with food security. The purpose of this review is to analysis of the current situation in Mexico of food security, environmental health and economy, the main lessons learned in these areas and their proposals integrating public policies. A review was carried out in the main databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, CAB Abstracts y PAIS Index) with the following keywords and according to the MeSH terms: Food security, food insecurity, environmental health, public policies, environmental, production, integrating the word COVID-19 in English and Spanish. Only 44.5% of Mexican households presented food security. For food insecurity, 22.6% had moderate and severe food insecurity, while 32.9% had mild insecurity. Food insecurity and the health impacts of environmental origin (waste management during the coronavirus pandemic, water contaminated by bacteria, viruses, and toxins; air pollution) generates impacts on economic activity by not offering food that meets health regulations. Without the application of cost-effective measures and interventions for the prevention and control of patients with obesity, the direct costs for 2023 will amount to 9 million dollars, which worsens the household economy. Despite having laws and policies on the right to food, a healthy environment (water), and opportunities for economic growth, these human rights are not fulfilled. The conclusion is that it is necessary to use a health and agroecological model to promote public policies (health, environment, and economy) that aims to prevent the discussed issues, with multidisciplinary and intersectoral interventions (government, academia, researchers, civil society organizations, industry, and population). This upholds the human right that all people should enjoy an adequate, healthy environment and have access to high-quality food.

scholarly journals Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Indigenous Foodways in the Andes of Peru

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-110
Author(s):  
Mariaelena Anali Huambachano
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Traditional Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Food Sovereignty ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Global Food Security ◽  
The Andes ◽  
Oral History Interviews

This article explores the Quechua peoples’ food systems as seen through a traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) lens and reflects on the vital role of Indigenous peoples’ knowledge for global food security. Data was collected from two Quechua communities, Choquecancha and Rosaspata, in the highlands of Peru, from March 2016 to August 2018. This data was collected via participatory action research, talking circles with femalefarmers, oral history interviews with elders, and Indigenous gatherings at chacras with community leaders and local agroecologists. Analysis of this data suggests that Quechua people’s in-depth and locally rooted knowledge concerning food security provides an Indigenous-based theoretical model of food sovereignty for the revitalization of Indigenous foodways and collective rights to food rooted in often under-recognisedaspects of their Indigeneity and TEK.

The Obesity Pandemic and Food Insecurity in Developing Countries

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen Lowitt ◽  
Katherine Gray-Donald ◽  
Gordon M. Hickey ◽  
Arlette Saint Ville ◽  
Isabella Francis-Granderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Food System ◽  
Nutrition Transition ◽  
Policy Instruments ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
School Type ◽  
Farm To School ◽  
Double Burden

Overweight and obesity affect over half a billion people globally and represent major public health concerns because excess weight gain is a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases. This chapter presents an overview of global trends in obesity, considering both developed and developing country contexts. It describes how this pandemic is rooted in the “nutrition transition” taking place around the world as a result of a globalized agri-food system that is changing the quantity, types, and desirability of foods available for consumption. In some countries, this is contributing to a “double burden of malnutrition,” as the problem of undernutrition now coexists alongside an increasing prevalence of over-nutrition. An overview of key policy responses and policy instruments that governments can utilize to address obesity is provided, recognizing that a holistic food systems response is needed to address the global challenge of obesity. The remainder of the chapter focuses on the food security and obesity challenges facing the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and profiles a “farm to fork” school feeding project in the island nation of St. Kitts-Nevis that was designed to reduce obesity and improve food security among children. Implementation and key results of this integrated project are presented, including the core components of agricultural production, procurement of local produce, and children’s consumption of nutritious foods. The chapter concludes by identifying lessons for supporting “farm to school”-type projects as a possible food systems response to addressing obesity and food insecurity.

scholarly journals The State of Food (In)Security in the Trans-Himalaya, Upper-Mustang, Nepal

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 92-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rishikesh Pandey
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Food System ◽  
Food Aid ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Global Issue ◽  
Food Transport

Food insecurity is a global issue, with higher prevalence of hunger in developing countries. Low crop yield and food production - due to difficult topography and traditional farming methods - combined with lower income; fluctuations in prices and supply, and low quality of food have been causing food insecurity in Nepal. This research examines food (in)security situation in Upper-Mustang, Nepal. The results are derived from the data collected through face–to-face interviews with the heads of 66 households, in-depth interviews conducted with 22 key informants, and discussions with the group of local people in different (6) places. The household food system was studied from livelihood perspectives and food (in)security was assessed in relation to self-sufficiency or production sufficiency, access, utilization, and stability of food. Households in the Trans-Himalaya acquire food from multiple sources such as farming and livestock ranching, buy food from the market, and also receive food aid for the sake of survival during the food crisis. Food security situation in terms of self-production in Upper-Mustang is at worst stage that many households are facing severe to chronic food insecurity. Studied households access marketed food, though the price they pay is very high. The worrisome issue is that there is no significant improvement in food security situation over time in the Trans-Himalaya. Study found that not the household size but dependency ratio in the household increases food insecurity. On the other hand, quality of farmland in terms of cropping intensity and availability of irrigation rather than the farm-plot size contribute for food security. The issue of food security is still a valid development policy goal for Nepal in general and for the Trans-Himalaya in particular. Accordingly, food security interventions are important. Yet, policy for interventions should look into all components of food systems, particularly providing irrigation, promoting local food varieties, and provisioning for food subsidies and food aid together with subsidies in food transport.

scholarly journals A Multi-Site Analysis of the Prevalence of Food Security in the United States, before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meredith T. Niles ◽  
Alyssa W. Beavers ◽  
Lauren A. Clay ◽  
Marcelle M. Dougan ◽  
Giselle A. Pignotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
The United States ◽  
First Year ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
High Risk Populations ◽  
Households With Children ◽  
Study Sites

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected food systems including food security. Understanding how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted food security is important to provide support, and identify long-term impacts and needs. Objective. Our team- the National Food Access and COVID research Team (NFACT) was formed to assess food security over different U.S. study sites throughout the pandemic, using common instruments and measurements. Here we present results from 18 study sites across 15 states and nationally over the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. A validated survey instrument was developed and implemented in whole or part across the sites throughout the first year of the pandemic, representing 22 separate surveys. Sampling methods for each study site were convenience, representative, or high-risk targeted. Food security was measured using the USDA six-item module. Food security prevalence was analyzed using analysis of variance by sampling method to statistically significant differences. Results. In total, more than 27,000 people responded to the surveys. We find higher prevalence of food insecurity (low or very low food security) since the COVID-19 pandemic, as compared to before the pandemic. In nearly all study sites, we find higher prevalence of food insecurity among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), households with children, and those with job disruptions. We also demonstrate lingering food insecurity, with high or increased prevalence over time in sites with repeat surveys. We find no statistically significant differences between convenience and representative surveys, but statistically higher prevalence of food insecurity among high-risk compared to convenience surveys. Conclusions. This comprehensive multi-study site effort demonstrates higher prevalence of food insecurity since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which in multiple survey sites continues throughout the first year of the pandemic. These impacts were prevalent for certain demographic groups, and most pronounced for surveys targeting high-risk populations.

scholarly journals Obesity Prevention and National Food Security: A Food Systems Approach

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lila Finney Rutten ◽  
Amy Lazarus Yaroch ◽  
Heather Patrick ◽  
Mary Story
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Obesity Prevention ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Common Ground ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sustainable Food Systems ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Improve Food Security

Interventions that cultivate sustainable food systems to promote health, prevent obesity, and improve food security have the potential for many large-scale and long-lasting benefits including improvements in social, environmental, health, and economic outcomes. We briefly summarize findings from previous research examining associations between obesity and food insecurity and discuss the need for greater synergy between food insecurity initiatives and national obesity prevention public health goals in the United States. The common ground between these two nutrition-related public health issues is explored, and the transformation needed in research and advocacy communities around the shared goal of improving population health through individual, environmental, and policy level changes to promote healthy sustainable food systems is discussed. We propose an ecological framework to simultaneously consider food insecurity and obesity that identifies levers for change to promote sustainable food systems to improve food security and prevent obesity.

scholarly journals The association between food insecurity and academic achievement in Canadian school-aged children

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (15) ◽  
pp. 2778-2785 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin L Faught ◽  
Patty L Williams ◽  
Noreen D Willows ◽  
Mark Asbridge ◽  
Paul J Veugelers
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Nova Scotia ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Socio Economic Status ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractObjectiveEducation is a crucial social determinant of health. Food insecurity can be detrimental to children’s academic achievement, potentially perpetuating a cycle of poverty and food insecurity. We aimed to assess the relationship between food insecurity and academic achievement in Canadian school-aged children.DesignCross-sectional study of children and parents. Parents completed the short-form Household Food Security Survey Module and questions about income and education level (socio-economic status). Children completed FFQ. Data were prospectively linked to children’s performance on standardized exams written one year later. Mixed-effect logistic regression was employed to assess the relationship between food insecurity and likelihood of meeting academic expectations adjusting for socio-economic status, diet quality and potential confounders.SettingNova Scotia, Canada in 2011–2012.SubjectsStudents (n4105) in grade 5 (10–11 years; 2167 girls) and their parents.ResultsLow food security was reported by 9·8 % of households; very low food security by 7·1 % of households. Students from low-income households and reporting poor diet quality were less likely to do well in school. Children who lived in households reporting very low food security had 0·65 times the odds (OR=0·65; 95 % CI 0·44, 0·96) of meeting expectations for reading and 0·62 times the odds (OR=0·62; 95 % CI 0·45, 0·86) of meeting expectations for mathematics.ConclusionsVery low household insecurity is associated with poor academic achievement among children in Nova Scotia.

scholarly journals The Identification of the Factors Related to Household Food Insecurity among Indigenous People (Orang Asli) in Peninsular Malaysia under Traditional Food Systems

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leh Law ◽  
Sulaiman Norhasmah ◽  
Wan Gan ◽  
Adznam Siti Nur’Asyura ◽  
Mohd Mohd Nasir
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Traditional Food ◽  
Orang Asli ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
Food Seeking ◽  
Water Issues

Over the course of 16 years, a high percentage of Orang Asli (OA) households in Malaysia has been found to be burdened with food insecurity. Therefore, a study was conducted to improve the understanding of the challenges faced by the OA in Peninsular Malaysia to achieve food security under traditional food systems. In this study, in-depth interview sessions, which were assisted by an interview protocol, were conducted with 61 OA women from nine villages that were selected purposefully across three states (Kelantan, Pahang, and Perak) in Peninsular Malaysia. Furthermore, thematic analysis was performed during data analysis. As a result, four themes were identified, namely (i) the failure in agriculture (sub-themes: threats from wild animals and insufficient land supply), (ii) ineffectiveness of traditional food-seeking activities (sub-themes: exhausting, tiring, dangerous, and time-consuming journey for food-seeking activities, depletion of natural commodities, reduced demands of natural commodities, and lack of equipment), (iii) weather (sub-themes: rainy and dry seasons), and (iv) water issues (subthemes: continuity of water supply and cleanliness of water). The identified modifiable factors of this issue should be incorporated into future schemes of food security intervention in order to efficiently manage the food shortage among the OA.

Food security in Igloolik, Nunavut: an exploratory study

Polar Record ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 225-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
James D. Ford ◽  
Lea Berrang-Ford
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Preliminary Identification ◽  
Entry Points ◽  
Inuit Community

ABSTRACTThis paper reports on an exploratory analysis examining the prevalence of food (in)security in the Inuit community of Igloolik, Nunavut, identifying high risk groups, and characterising conditions facilitating and constraining food security. A stratified cross-sectional food survey was administered to 50 Inuit community members in July 2007. 64% of the participants surveyed experienced some degree of food insecurity in the past year (July 2006–July 2007). Food insecurity among the sample population greatly exceeds the Canadian average. This is cause for concern given the negative physical and mental health impacts that have been documented for low nutritional status. The prevalence and severity of food insecurity differed among participants; females and those obtaining most of their food from the store were at highest risk of food insecurity. Consumption of traditional foods was significantly associated with increased food security. The study supports the need for further research to investigate key trends highlighted by the sample. Preliminary identification of potential trends contributes towards the goal of identifying entry points for policy aimed at strengthening northern Inuit food systems.

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