Webinar event date: 
Oct 28, 2024 1:00 pm EDT
Webinar Presenters: 

Megan Charlish, MPH, RD

Megan is the Manager of Health Policy at Dietitians of Canada where she leads the strategy, planning, and execution of the health policy portfolio and works closely with members and stakeholders to advance issues important to dietitians across the country. She was one of the authors of Dietitians of Canada’s Household Food Insecurity Position Statement. Megan holds a BASc in Nutrition and Food and a Certificate in Food Security from Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University) and completed her master’s of public health at the University of Toronto. Originally from Victoria, BC on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish, she now lives in Toronto on the lands of the Toronto Purchase Treaty.

Sally Guy, BSW, MA, RSW

Sally works to promote and strengthen the profession of social work and advance issues of social justice. Her role at CASW touches on government relations, policy research and analysis, and communications. Sally was born, raised, and currently resides on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin and Anishinaabeg peoples (Ottawa, ON). She holds a BSW from St. Thomas University, a BAH in Literature and Linguistics from Queen's University, and a MA in English Language and Literature from Queen's University. Sally is a proud registered social worker and is honoured to speak on behalf of the profession.

 

Description

Household food insecurity is the inadequate or insecure access to food due to financial constraints. It is a significant, serious and avoidable public health issue that disproportionately affects racialized households and has profound impacts on the mental and physical health of individuals and strains the healthcare system. Dietitians and Social Workers have a vital role to play in addressing the causes and consequences of household food insecurity through evidence-based advocacy for effective public policy interventions and the provision of dignified, person-centred care to those experiencing household food insecurity.

By the end of the presentation, you will be able to describe:

  • The causes, consequences, and prevalence of household food insecurity in Canada
  • Policy recommendations to address the root cause of household food insecurity
  • The role of social workers and dietitians in addressing both the causes and consequences of household food insecurity