Healthy Eating & Food Security Promising Strategies for BC

The Dietitians of Canada discussion paper, “Healthy Eating and Food Security, Promising Strategies for BC” highlights key strategies and actions that will support more British Columbians to be food secure and to make healthy food choices. The key audience is individuals, communities and organizations who are working or have an interest in the areas of healthy eating and food security. Others, including decision makers at all government levels, may find the information helpful. The paper is not meant to be directive to any level of government. The strategies and potential actions noted in the paper are drawn from recent reports and documents from BC, Canada and elsewhere.
 
The paper outlines best and promising practices that can inform community action in the areas of food security and healthy eating in BC.  What is clear in the literature is that meaningful progress requires the engagement of stakeholders from different sectors, working together at many levels and employing a variety of strategies – advocacy, policy, legislation, communications, program development – to create environments to support more British Columbians to be food secure and to make healthy food choices.
 
British Columbia is home to many innovative initiatives aimed at building food security and promoting healthy eating. Some are highlighted in the paper. A collaborative and integrated approach engaging stakeholders across many sectors using a variety of strategies is critical to continuing to move forward and create environments supportive of healthy eating and food security. Some suggestions for next steps are included in the Call to Action on page 15.
 
We encourage you to review the discussion paper and consider taking on one or more of the suggested actions noted in the Call to Action.