Date/Time
Date(s) - December 5, 2013
9:00 am - 10:30 am
BCHLA believes that good health is determined by the context in which people live. Social housing and food security are two factors that are inextricably linked to the health and well-being of many in BC. But at a minimum 11% of households in BC experience food insecurity. The proportion of food insecure households in social housing is up to 7 times higher than that. For this reason, further exploration of food insecurity in social housing presents an opportunity to address a critical need for a vulnerable population group.
So how can we increase access to healthy food and remove health barriers for people in need? As usual there is not one answer, but a need for different sectors and partners to open the discussion and work together to improve health.
BCHLA is carrying forward the conversation begun by the BC Non-Profit Housing Association at their November 20th symposium, Housing and Hunger in BC.
Health Starts at Home – food security and social housing will bring together three speakers on the issues to provide their different perspectives, from policy to practice at the community, regional and provincial level:
Vancouver Coastal Health recently released an Action Framework and Resource Guide for food security in social housing. Lianne Carley (Population Health) will provide an overview of food security in social housing, the strategy areas in the Guide, and why VCH considered this a priority area.
Judy Walsh is a Tenant Support Worker at the Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society. She will outline how as a housing provider NAHS has developed successful programs to improve the food security of their residents.
BC Housing develops, manages and administers a wide range of subsidized housing options across the province. They partner with public and private housing providers, other levels of government and community agencies to create the best system of housing and supports for those in greatest need.
Health Starts at Home – food security and social housing will bring together three speakers on the issues to provide their different perspectives, from policy to practice at the community, regional and provincial level: BCHLA looks forward to hearing all of these perspective on food security – what is happening currently and where the future may lead us.
Join in on December 5 from 9 am to 10:30 am and share your questions and perspectives with our speakers.
