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Purpose: The number of visually impaired and blind Canadians will rise dramatically as our population ages, and yet little is known about the impact of blindness on the experience of food and eating. In this qualitative study, the food experiences and eating patterns of visually impaired and blind people were examined. Influencing factors were also explored. Methods: In 2000, nine blind or severely visually impaired subjects were recruited through blindness-related organizations in British Columbia. Participants completed individual semistructured, in-depth interviews. These were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed to explicate participants’ experiences. Results: Participants experienced blindness-related obstacles when shopping for food, preparing food, and eating in restaurants. Inaccessiblematerials and environments left participants with a diet lacking in variety and limited access to physical activity. Seven participants were overweight or obese, a finding thatmay be related to limited physical activity and higher-than-average restaurant use. Conclusions: This is the first study in which the experience of food and eating is described from the perspective of visually impaired Canadians. Nutrition and blindness professionals must work together to reduce the food-related obstacles faced by visually impaired and blind people. Professionals must address both individual skill development and social and structural inequities.

Purpose: Calcium and vitamin D intakes from food and supplements were estimated in Canadian men and women. Methods: Calciumintakes fromboth diet and supplements and vitamin D intakes fromfortifiedmilk and supplements were estimated using cross-sectional data from9423 randomly selected subjects aged 25 years or older, who were participating in a longitudinal study on osteoporosis. Subjects completed an abbreviated food frequency questionnaire administered by a trained interviewer between July 1995 and December 1997. Results: Themean (standard deviation) daily intake for calciumwas estimated to be 1038 (614)mg for women and 904 (583)mg formen; for vitamin D,mean intakes were 5.6 (5.9) μg and 4.8 (5.5) μg for women andmen, respectively. Conclusions: Mean intakes for calcium and vitamin D in men and women under age 51 were close to the adequate daily intake levels. Older adults, however, may be at risk of deficiency.

Purpose: South Asian immigrants to Canada are at high risk for developing diabetes, and culturally relevant diet counselling tools are needed. We examined perceived needs and preferences for diet counselling resources based on the newly revised Canadian Diabetes Association meal planning guide. Methods: Five focus groups of individuals fromdifferent regions of South Asia (n=53) discussed portion size estimating methods, cultural values and holidays, food group classifications, and common South Asian foods. A focus panel with dietitians (n=8) provided insight on current diabetes educationmethods and resources for teaching South Asian clients. Results: The dietitian panelmembers reported a need for resources targeted at differing client skill levels. They also noted preferences for individual counselling, and common barriers to education including finances, access, South Asian diets, and cultural views on health. Community focus groups reported larger portions but fewer dailymeals in Canada. Ingredients and portions were notmeasured. Fasting was an important value, and sweets were a crucial component of holidays. Resources in South Asian languages, inclusion of pictures, and separate legumes, sweets, and snacks food groups were preferred. Conclusions: Findings can be used when developing new counselling tools for the South Asian community.