Dietitians Work Together to Combat Food Insecurity Across Canada
The Household Food Insecurity Network (HFIN) supports Dietitian’s of Canada’s members who are engaged in household food insecurity (HFI) and poverty reduction work by facilitating access to practice tools, resources, professional education, and networking opportunities.
HFI is a priority issue for Dietitians of Canada. Our advocacy and collaboration is dedicated to systemic changes to eradicate HFI in Canada.
Why Household Food Insecurity (HFI) Matters
HFI - the inadequate or insecure access to food due to financial constraints - is a profound and avoidable public health crisis. In 2024, 25.5% of people in the ten provinces, approximately 10 million individuals, lived in a food-insecure household.
This marks the third consecutive year that food insecurity rates have risen. HFI disproportionately affects households with children and racialized communities, including Indigenous Peoples. HFI is closely linked to adverse physical and mental health outcomes, increased healthcare use, and rising public costs. The HFIN facilitates the ongoing collaboration necessary to tackle this complex challenge and advance systemic change.
Our Vision
We envision a future where all Canadians have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious, and culturally acceptable food, without financial hardship. As dietitians, we play a crucial role in addressing both the causes and consequences of HFI through:
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Evidence-based advocacy for progressive economic policies
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Provision of dignified, person-centered care to those experiencing food insecurity
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Support for Indigenous food sovereignty and the removal of policy barriers to traditional food practices
Join the HFI Network: Who Should Participate?
The HFIN welcomes dietitians from all practice areas - public health, clinical, community, private practice, business, education, and food service. By uniting diverse experiences and leveraging evidence-based approaches to HFI, we can enhance outcomes for the individuals and communities we serve.
Benefits of Membership
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Access to informative webinars and facilitated discussions on topics relevant to HFI, health equity, poverty reduction, and dietetic practice
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A collaborative environment and connection to colleagues across the nation for sharing resources, research, and professional development opportunities
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Engagement and skill building to advance advocacy efforts at all levels
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Opportunities to contribute to Practice-based Evidence in Nutrition® resources tailored to HFI
Every Dietitian can Contribute to Mitigating HFI by:
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Advocating for income-based solutions at all government levels
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Educating yourself and others on the impact of colonialism on Indigenous food systems and supporting local Indigenous food sovereignty
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Providing financial guidance and realistic, achievable nutrition advice to clients experiencing HFI
Learn more about HFI and the role dietitians can play, see the 2024 Dietitian’s of Canada Position Statement.
Together, we can make a significant impact on reducing household food insecurity in Canada. For membership details, upcoming events, and more information, contact us at hfi@dietitians-network.ca.
Membership: $35 for full members; $15 for students
Leadership Team
- Co-Chairs: Erica Cahill & Nina Trask
- Education Rep: Lindsay Goodridge
- Communications Coordinator: Katharine Yu
- Regional Reps:
- BC: Erica Cahill
- AB: VACANT
- SK, MB & NW ON: Brigitte Pereria
- QC, NE & Eastern ON: Bénédicte Fontaine-Bisson
- Central and Southern ON: Nicole Weber
- Atlantic Provinces: Heidi Boyd & Jane Francis
- Student Voice: Théa Demmers
NOTE: Joining a Network requires an active Dietitians of Canada membership. Not a member? Learn how to become a DC Member here.
Join this network