Public Health Dietitians work to promote healthy growth and development in children & youth, and optimal physical and mental health across the lifespan by promoting and supporting food/nutrition security, food literacy, and a positive relationship with food and eating. We advocate for equity in communities' ability to access nourishing food. Our services are offered at no cost.
- Who do Public Health Dietitians work with?
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- Community agencies (family/child/youth-serving agencies)
- Community groups (parent and youth groups)
- Community networks (health networks, early years tables)
- Food security hubs
- Governments
- Health professionals (Island Health & non-Island Health)
- Post-secondary institutions (colleges, universities)
- Schools & school districts.
- How can Public Health Dietitians support you?
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- Support around food/nutrition programming (activities, curriculum development, evaluation)
- Provide advocacy and knowledge translation around food/nutrition
- Be a guest speaker for groups (early years nutrition, food & mood, food & diet myth vs fact)
- Participate in community events
- Support grant applications
- Promote healthy public policy & environments around food & nutrition
- Provide staff/volunteer professional development & training.
Recommended Resources
- Dietitian Access & Referrals
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- Babies & Young Children
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- Children Age 5-18 Years
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- Body Image
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- Eating Disorders
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- Feeding Relationship & Eating Together
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- Food Allergies
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- Food Safety
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- Food Security
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Public Health Dietitians work in close partnership with the Island Health Food Security Hubs. Food Security Hubs are a partnership between Island Health and community agencies that are leading food security efforts within their regions. These organizations collaborate with communities to address food security through a wide range of projects, programs and advocacy. Island Health recognizes the importance of developing community partnerships for the purposes of building community food security on Vancouver Island. The Vancouver Island Food Charter holds a vision of a just and sustainable food system in the Island region, which is rooted in healthy communities, where no one is hungry and everyone has access to nutritious and culturally acceptable food.
The 8 funded Food Security Hubs are:
Island Health provides funding to these agencies to enhance their capacity to:
- Provide leadership and support
- Develop communication networks
- Facilitate dialogue with neighbouring communities and municipal /regional governments, and;
- Collaborate with Island Health and other Hubs across the Health Region.
To learn more about the Food Security Hubs, visit Food Security - Island Health.
Additional Resources:
- Meal and Snack Ideas
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- Pregnancy/Perinatal
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- Vitamins & Minerals
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- Reliable Nutrition Information
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Learn more about Healthy Schools
Learn more about Community Engagement
Learn more about Food Security
