March was nutrition month. Balanced nutrition, including access to real and whole foods helps individuals and communities thrive. In recognition that our mental and emotional health is just as important as our physical well-being, Health Canada named this year’s theme “Nourish to Flourish”. The Minister of Health highlighted the importance of addressing the following aspects of our well-being:
- Physiological well-being- Consuming vitamin and mineral rich foods supports strong immune function, decreases risk of chronic diseases and contributes to longevity
- Mental well-being – Access to a balanced diet supports mental function- helps focus, lessens brain fog, and can even improve anxiety and depression
- Sociocultural wellbeing – Addressing the cultural competency and cultural safety in our food practices is integral. Diverse communities have unique needs, and food is often thought of as a reflection of who we are – an expression of our traditions- cultural and/or religious practices and connects us to family, community, identity and meaning
- Emotional wellbeing- Considering the role nutrition plays in our mental health by understanding the emotional connection with food. Food can provide us comfort, remind us of happy memories and celebrations, and ease tension
(Adapted from: Message from the Minister of Health – Nutrition Month – Canada.ca)
Even though access to real food is a right, an overwhelming number of Manitobans currently face food insecurity. The lack of access to affordable, nutritious food is associated with poor health, chronic illness, and depression.
A trauma-informed approach to food security acknowledges that chronic food insecurity is both a cause and a result of systemic trauma and strives towards food distribution that prioritizes dignity, choice, equity and safety. This includes designing welcoming and predictable distribution spaces, providing non-judgmental assistance, and restoring agency and connection through relationship-based learning. The intention is to increase the capacity of community members and reduce feelings of shame or stigma.
Community Gardens and Urban Farms allow residents to grow fresh produce on shared land making local food systems more sustainable, accessible and equitable. Winnipeg has several community gardens such as West Broadway, Sustainable South Osborne Community Co-op, and the Spence Neighbourhood Association. Community gardens promote an awareness of the environment, improve our connection to the sources of food, provide educational opportunities, build capacity, foster social connections, and strengthen a sense of community.
Winnipeg Public Libraries provides links to free resources and tips on how to set up, seed and irrigate your garden as well as how to preserve and can your harvest. If you are interested in setting up a garden in your community, contact Food Matters Manitoba: https://foodmattersmanitoba.ca/community-gardens/
Food sovereignty and sustainable development
Kinosao Sipi (Norway House Cree Nation) embarked on an innovative journey to address the challenges of food security in northern Manitoba. They partnered with BDO Consulting, Food Matters Manitoba, and The Growcer on the following projects: Hydroponic Gardens (Life Water Gardens project), Community Greenhouses, and Food Distribution (delivering fresh produce directly to local schools and community members). See the link below for more information on these exciting initiatives. https://www.thegrowcer.ca/featured-farmers/increasing-food-security-for-first-nations
