Lessons from an evaluation of an urban Indigenous food sharing initiative in Southwestern Ontario: "I feel like I'm nourishing my spirit"

Top Things to Know

Emphasizing relationships in food support programs can enhance holistic health, demonstrating that food initiatives can nourish both body and spirit.

Overcoming logistical and capacity challenges is crucial for the success of food as medicine programs, ensuring consistent and effective support for participants.

Securing long-term funding and establishing central locations can strengthen the operational capacity of food initiatives, making them more reliable and impactful in promoting health and well-being.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

The study evaluated an urban Indigenous food sharing initiative in Southwestern Ontario, focusing on its implementation and early outcomes. It found that the initiative fostered strong community relationships, which contributed to holistic health benefits for participants. However, capacity limitations of both recipients and staff were significant constraints. Participants recommended enhancing outreach, securing long-term funding, and establishing a central location to improve the initiative's operational capacity. The study concluded that the relational care approach of the initiative provided meaningful nourishment for Indigenous community members.