Title
PRESENTATION FROM THE REPRESENTATIVE(S) OF THE SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT CONCERNING TAKING ACTION ON FOOD INSECURITY - THE ROLES FOR MUNICIPALITIES
Ms. Jane Shrestha, Public Health Nutritionist with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit provided a presentation on Taking Action on Food Insecurity: Roles for Municipalities.
Ms. Shrestha dicussed slides concerning the following topics:
• The definition of household food insecurity;
• Why food insecurity is a problem in Simcoe Muskoka;
• The impact of food insecurity associated with the health of children, youth and adults;
• The health care costs associated with food insecurity;
• How reducing food insecurity benefits municipal governments and communities;
• The challenges associated with food insecurity;
• Some of the actions that have been undertaken by municipalities to reduce the impacts associated with food insecurities, such as affordable housing, living wage, policies to attract quality jobs and advocacy; and
• Requests to advocate for provincial policies and to consider local policy options that will assist people struggling with food insecurity.
In conclusion Ms. Shrestha encouraged everyone to learn more about food insecurity and what can be done to help. She also played a video created by Grade 5 student Noah Haaland for a school project to bring attention to the issues associated with food insecurities.
Members of Council asked questions of the presenter and received responses.
Members of Council asked several questions of Noah and recognized him for creation of the video and helping to raise awareness of food insecurity.