Open AccessA Participatory Study of the Health and Social Impact of a Community Food Centre in Ottawa, Canada
Author(s) -
Aganeta Enns,
Myddryn Ellis,
Tracey O’Sullivan,
Peter Milley,
Elizabeth Kristjansson
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
canadian food studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2292-3071
DOI - 10.15353/cfs-rcea.v7i1.366
Subject(s) - photovoice , food insecurity , participatory action research , citizen journalism , food security , stigma (botany) , environmental health , business , political science , public relations , economic growth , medicine , agriculture , geography , economics , archaeology , psychiatry , law
Food insecurity is a pervasive and persistent issue across Canada, where a growing number of people are accessing food banks. Conventional food banks may offer relief for immediate needs but typically have limited capacity to address longer-term food insecurity. This paper focuses on the Parkdale Food Centre in Ottawa, ON, which provides food assistance alongside a range of programs and initiatives designed to address food insecurity and related needs in its community. This qualitative study aims to examine how participation in the programs at the Parkdale Food Centre influences the physical, mental, and social health of people who access the food centre. Semi-structured interviews and a participatory photovoice project were conducted with people who access the food centre. The results indicate that people who access the food centre perceived a positive influence of the programs on their food, health, and social needs, particularly with respect to improved access to fresh foods, connections to social and health resources, and reduced stigma. Incorporating additional food, health, and social programming into an existing food assistance program may help ameliorate elements of food insecurity and associated negative outcomes within communities impacted by this issue.