A study on food security among single parents and elderly population in St. John's

Many single parents and the elderly hesitate to visit food banks, finding it too humiliating, and instead they rely on cheap, unhealthy food from nearby grocery or convenience stores.16,17 As the price of food fluctuates with the season and the local harvesting; the consumption pattern of food among the vulnerable population correspondingly varies.11 For both vulnerable groups, the concept of food [...] A better understanding of food insecurity and food-related practices among these vulnerable populations is essential in the estimation of the health risk in the targeted population.6 In the long run, the reduction of disease burden through the improvement of food security will significantly reduce health costs and benefit the province’s economy and labor markets. [...] In Newfoundland and Labrador 36% of children between the ages of 2 and 17 are overweight or obese.12 Furthermore, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are already known to have higher rates of diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes and some forms of cancer than the Canadian average. [...] The study addresses the existing knowledge gap and can help inform the NL government on the development and implementation of preventive practices and targeted interventions towards the vulnerable population. [...] But the way they cope, because of the lack of money, they need to put food on the table and fill bellies….