The Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research Announces Funding for Three Research Projects

Toronto, July 2024 - This month the Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research (CFDR) approved funding of $60,000 for three projects under its 2024 Annual Grants Competition.

To underscore the importance of CFDR funding for dietetic practical research, Judy Sheeshka, PhD, Chair of the CFDR Board of Directors explained: "Dietitians are guided in their work with individuals, community and society by a unique body of knowledge.  The evidence generated by CFDR researchers informs practice at all levels, launches research careers and through both, elevates the profile of all Dietitians as a profession.  This is why we are passionate about our CFDR mission to cultivate and fund practice-based dietetic research."

This year’s three grantees are:

Maude Perreault, PhD, RD, Université de Montréal and Colleen O’Connor, PhD, RD, Western University  
Admission criteria and selection processes of Canadian dietetic programs: for a diversified
profession

In Canada, the underrepresentation of diverse social identities in the dietetics profession is a pressing issue. Admission processes are significant gateways into the profession, with program directors and selection committees acting as key decision-makers to determine the criteria for admission. The lack of transparency surrounding admission procedures, raises substantial concerns regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion.  The objective of this research is to examine the admission processes in dietetic programs across the country.

Christina O. Lengyel, PhD, RD, University of Manitoba
Emergency Food Service Preparedness in Canadian Long Term Care Homes

Emergency food service preparedness and disaster planning are critical for long term care (LTC)  homes to ensure, provide and maintain food service delivery and nutrition support to residents and staff during environmental and pandemic emergencies.  The purpose of this research is to examine current food service emergency preparedness in LTC homes and develop relevant, evidence-informed consensus recommendations which will comprise a guide for Canadian LTC homes to use in developing their tailored food service emergency response plan. 

Brian Lo, PhD, MPH, University of Guelph, and Geoff Ball, PhD, RD, University of Alberta 
What About Fathers? Exploring Registered Dietitians’ Experiences Engaging Fathers.

Fathers play a crucial role in determining child and family health but are underrepresented in
pediatric interventions and services, including those related to nutrition. Prior father–provider research and father-engagement training programs have overlooked dietetics, although dietitians are positioned to improve children’s diets.  The proposed study will be the first to examine how and how often Canadian registered dietitians interact with fathers in pediatric nutrition care.

The CFDR was created in 1991 by Dietitians of Canada (DC) to support applied nutrition and dietetic practice research. Thanks to the generous support of DC, corporate donors and individual members of DC, in its history CFDR has funded 135 research teams across the country, awarding more than $3 million in grants. The CFDR research program supports the Foundation’s mission: To cultivate and fund practice-based dietetic research.

For further information, email info@cfdr.ca.

Your donation to Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research will help to fund practice-based dietetic research so that dietitians can ask the important nutrition-related questions and seek answers, ultimately leading to improved patient care, and the health of Canadians.

Thank you for donating today. 

News posted on behalf of the Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research.