Food First program paying dividends after first year
A pilot program to coach low income families on food budgeting and preparation also resulted in better mental and physical health, better interaction in the community and saved money, program partners announced Wednesday.
The Food First program, run through the Medicine Hat and District Food Bank, tracked 11 local families over the course of one year.
Meanwhile, participants took part in community kitchen sessions, gardened, were told about bulk purchasing and large batch baking and given other dietary and food planning information.
The end result was not only an increase in food security — a measurement of access to good food and nutrition — but in general quality of life.
“There’s a benefit, especially for children who are not going to school with an empty belly,” said food bank co-director Tammy Vanderloh. “It all came from identifying a food security need, but these other things are all related.”
Families were also enrolled in a wholesale purchasing program and were given appliances such as deep freezes and slow cookers provided by donors, such as Stark Plumping and the late Dr. Tim Clugston, respectively.
About a third who took part reported their quality of life had increased through more recreation or taking part in community cultural or social events.
A 7 per cent reduction in health issues and 12 per cent reduction in addiction or substance abuse issues was also reported.
The program was sponsored by the Medicine Hat Food Bank, the Community Food Connections Association and the Community Foundation of Southeast Alberta.
Researcher Alina Turner of Turner Strategies authored the study, while Jaime Rogers of MH Community Housing Society provided analysis.
The study recommends exploring expansion of the program, and possibly dedicating staff to the project.
“The idea is to move people out of food emergency, to more stable food security,” said Alison Van Dyke, a co-ordinator with the Community Food Association.
“There are additional bonuses that no one had anticipated; there was more community involvement, and more stable housing.”
While the regimen increased income and showed up in the budget, food and transportation remained constant concerns for participants throughout the study, it states.