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- Seabrook, Jamie A PhD10
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- Dietrich, Linda MEd RD5
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- Purpose: To assess dietetic students’ anxiety levels before and after a series of simulations and to document students’ perceived sources of anxiety while completing simulation-based learning activities.Methods: A mixed-method convergent pilot study was conducted. Students enrolled in a Nutrition Assessment course that included a series of four simulations were invited to participate. Students completed an online pre-post simulation survey and engaged in individual interviews and a focus group discussion. The questionnaires included demographic questions and the French State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Nonparametric tests and thematic analysis were used to examine data.Results: Fourteen students participated in the study’s quantitative component and seven in the qualitative component. There was a significant decrease in trait (44.5 ± 13.8 vs 32.0 ± 14.0, P = 0.01) and state (47.0 ± 11.2 vs 33.0 ± 18.0, P = 0.05) anxiety from pre- to post-simulations. Individual factors influencing students’ anxiety levels were stress and self-confidence. External factors influencing students’ anxiety levels were unknown situations, observers, patient profiles, observers’ feedback, preparation level, and academic setting.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that ensuring the educator is not present during simulations, advance preparation, and reassurance that simulations are a learning and not an evaluation activity may be effective pedagogical strategies for dietetic educators to reduce learners’ anxiety and facilitate competency development.
- Background: Qualitative research involves the analysis of data in various forms (i.e., written text such as interview transcripts, literature, or a personal diary; visual media such as photographs, maps, or memes; and audio materials such as podcasts, music, or voice notes) to describe and/or interpret phenomena and humans’ perceptions and experiences of the world, including of food, health, and well-being. Dietetic-scholars have raised concerns about the dearth and quality of qualitative dietetic research.Objective: To document the availability and quality of qualitative research published in Canadian dietetic literature.Methods: A manifest content analysis of articles published in the Canadian Journal of Dietetic Research and Practice (CJDRP) between 2012 and 2021.Results: In total, 340 articles were published between 2012 and 2021 of which 43 (12.6%) used qualitative methods. Overall, the quality of qualitative articles was poor; articles frequently failed to report the methodological approach or a theoretical framework. Methods of data collection, data analysis, and strategies to ensure rigor were seldom described in detail. Reported limitations were often inappropriate for qualitative research.Discussion: Qualitative research is markedly underrepresented in the CJDPR. Efforts are needed to ensure that high-quality qualitative research evidence and publishing opportunities are available to Canadian dietetic practitioners and researchers. This study provides baseline data to evaluate the impact of future efforts.
- Purpose: Nutrient profiling (NP) ranks foods according to nutritional composition and underpins policies (e.g., front-of-package (FOP) labelling). This study aimed to evaluate Canadian adults’ dietary intakes using proposed Canadian FOP “high-in” labelling thresholds and international NP models (i.e., Ofcom, FSANZ, and Nutri-Score) and examine the association between intakes using international NP models and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD).Methods: Intakes from the Canadian Community Health Survey-Nutrition (CCHS-Nutrition) 2004 and 2015 were given NP scores and assessed against FOP thresholds. CCHS-Nutrition 2004 was linked with death records (Canadian Vital Statistics Database, n = 6767) and CVD incidence and mortality (hospital Discharge Abstract Database, n = 6420) until December 2017.Results: Foods that would require FOP labels, should there be such regulation in Canada, contributed 38% of calories. Association between NP scores and mortality was significant for Ofcom, FSANZ, and Nutri-Score (hazard ratio (HR) in highest quintile (lowest quality): 1.73, 95%CI [1.20–2.49], 1.59[1.15–2.21], and 1.75[1.18–2.59], respectively), and for CVD incidence, among males (HR in highest quintile: 2.11[1.15–3.89], 1.74[1.07–2.84], and 2.29[1.24–4.24], respectively).Conclusions: Canadians had moderately healthy intakes. NP systems could discriminate between low and high dietary quality such that adults with the lowest diet quality were more likely to experience all-cause mortality and CVD events (for males).
- Purpose: Binge eating disorder (BED) is a prevalent eating disorder. Many individuals with BED do not receive evidence-based care due to many barriers. This preliminary study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of a manualized guided self-help (GSH) intervention with support in the form of a culturally adapted manual for a French-Canadian population.Method: Twenty-two women with overweight or obesity meeting the BED diagnostic criteria participated in an 8-week open trial. The GSH programme combined a self-help book and weekly support phone calls. Participants were assessed at baseline, at week 4, postintervention, and 12 weeks following its end. Feasibility was measured by attrition rates, participation, and satisfaction. Acceptability was measured by a questionnaire based on the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Potential efficacy outcomes were objective binge eating days, eating disorder symptomatology, depressive symptoms, and propensity to eat intuitively.Results: The GSH programme has proven feasible (4.5% attrition, 91% completion, 95.5% satisfaction) and acceptable. Potential efficacy results showed promising improvements on all outcomes (19% abstinence, 70.9% reduction in objective binge eating days).Conclusion: Although preliminary, this programme warrants further study as it may be an efficient and cost-effective way to deliver GSH for BED patients with accessibility barriers.
- The objective of this evaluation was to determine the impact of a pop-up Teaching Kitchen (TK) at a national cardiovascular conference. The 60-minute session was hosted in a hotel conference room and led by two registered dietitians. Participants prepared 12 recipes, enjoyed a family-style meal, and explored nutrition behaviour change strategies for patients. Using Likert-scaled and open-ended questions, pre-/post-online surveys assessed change in perceived nutrition counselling skills, attitudes, and confidence; post-survey also assessed effectiveness of session components and further training needs. Pre-survey response was 72% (18/25). Twenty-one participants attended the event (14 pre-registrants, six from waitlist, and five drop-ins); 81% completed the post-survey. Positive shifts were reported in nutrition competence, particularly attitudes towards using recipes in nutrition counselling, and increased skills and confidence discussing eating on a budget and SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) goal setting with patients. Components of the TK session that enhanced nutrition competence were key patient messages and the shared meal. Preparing and eating together in a hands-on format was most enjoyable. Promoting healthy eating behaviours requires understanding the complexity of individual and societal food literacy. With high physician interest, dietitians are well positioned to deliver culinary medicine interventions and support physicians’ confidence in health promotion and chronic disease prevention and management.
- Janis A Randall Simpson RD, PhD,
- Natalee Miller RD, MScFN,
- Taylor Hartwig RD, BASc,
- Jane Leach RN, BSN,
- Melissa Purdy RN, MN, NP-PHC,
- Emily Roth RMW, BHSc,
- Victoria Mok Siu MD,
- Cynthia Soulliere RMW, MHSc,
- Jacqui Tam RN, BScN, and
- Ann Watt RD, MSc
Purpose: To assess vitamin D, folate, vitamin B12, and iron status in Old Order Anabaptist (OOA) pregnant/postpartum women.Methods: Blood was analyzed for plasma 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D), red blood cell (RBC) folate, serum vitamin B12, and iron status indicators. Dietary intakes (food and supplements) from 3-day estimated records were compared to Dietary Reference Intakes and Canada’s Food Guide (2007).Results: Fifty women participated in this descriptive cross-sectional study. Concentrations of 25(OH)D were low (<50 nmol/L for 20% and < 75 nmol/L for 63%); 42% had total vitamin D intakes < estimated average requirement (EAR). All women had RBC folate above the 1360 mmol/L cut-off. Nineteen percent had folate intakes <EAR; 80% had folic acid supplement intakes >upper limit. One woman had low serum vitamin B12 (<148 pmol/L); serum vitamin B12 was high (>652 pmol/L) for 24%. None had vitamin B12 intakes <EAR; intakes were high compared to the recommended dietary intake. One woman had low hemoglobin; 13% had ferritin <15 μg/L. Thirteen percent had total iron intake <EAR.Conclusions: Overall, dietary intake and serum micronutrient status of OOA pregnant and postpartum women in our study were similar to those reported in previous studies of Canadian women. While some women had low intakes of vitamin D and iron, most had high intakes of folate and vitamin B12. These findings provide guidance to ensure appropriate dietary and supplement intakes in this potentially vulnerable and rarely studied population.- OPEN ACCESS
- Paulina Morelli BASc,
- Véronique Garneau MSc, RD,
- Laurie Miville-Deschênes BSc, RD,
- Josiane Morin-Bernier BSc, RD,
- Marie-Claude Vohl PhD,
- Sophie Desroches PhD, RD, and
- Justine Keathley PhD, RD
Purpose: To investigate why Canadian nutrition care providers choose, or not, to integrate nutritional genomics into practice, and to evaluate the nutritional genomics training/education experiences and needs of nutrition providers in Canada, while comparing those of dietitians to non-dietitians.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was distributed across Canada from June 2021 to April 2022.Results: In total, 457 healthcare providers (HCPs) [n = 371 dietitians (81.2%)] met the inclusion criteria. The majority (n = 372; 82.1%) reported having no experience offering nutritional genomics to clients (n = 4 did not respond). Of the 81 respondents with experience (17.9%), the most common reason to integrate nutrigenetic testing into practice was the perception that clients would be more motivated to change their eating habits (70.4%), while the most common reason for not integrating such tests was the perception that the nutrigenetic testing process is too complicated (n = 313; 84.1%). Dietitians were more likely than non-dietitians to view existing scientific evidence as an important educational topic (p = 0.002). The most selected useful educational resource by all HCPs was clinical practice guidelines (n = 364; 85.4%).Conclusions: Both dietitians and non-dietitians express a desire for greater nutritional genomics training/education; specific educational needs differ by type of HCP. Low implementation of nutrigenetic testing may be partly attributed to other identified barriers. - Natalie D. Riediger PhD,
- Anne Waugh MSc,
- Barbara Parker PhD,
- Constance Russell PhD, and
- Andrea E. Bombak PhD
Purpose: We aimed to explore student perspectives of the dietetics profession using a professional socialization lens.Methods: We conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews, virtually or by phone, with 25 dietetic undergraduate/graduate students or interns in 2020/21. Transcripts were thematically analyzed.Results: All participants identified as female, averaged 25 years old at the time of the interviews, and were in different stages of their education. Two themes captured their perspectives of the profession: dietitians have technical expertise and professional identities are evolving. Technical expertise was focused on scientific understandings of how individuals consume and utilize food, and how (mostly Western) food should be prepared for safety and maximum nutrition. Participants perceived dietetics as a white, feminized profession with dietitians’ role to aid in weight loss; participants actively sought to resist these stereotypes, notably through social media.Conclusions: While holding technical expertise continues to be embedded as a key component of dietetics identity, student professional socialization is also being shaped by social media, racial justice, and body positivity movements. This socialization process is likely to influence changes to the profession as students enter practice.- OPEN ACCESS
- Melissa D. Rossiter PhD,
- Margaret Young MSc,
- Elizabeth Dickson MHSc,
- Julie E. Campbell MSc,
- Sarah Caldwell MSc, and
- Jessie-Lee Mcisaac PhD
Early learning and child care (ELCC) settings in Canada follow nutrition standards that outline food provisions, with many also encouraging responsive feeding practices that help to create a supportive environment for children. Caregivers who lack confidence in children’s ability to regulate their own intake, or those who feel stressed about mealtime, may unknowingly engage in less responsive feeding practices. The CELEBRATE Feeding Approach is a flexible framework, driven by behaviour change theory, that builds on previous definitions and concepts of responsive feeding in ELCC environments. Through this approach, there is an intentional focus on supporting early childhood educators to implement feeding practices that are more responsive. The approach incorporates 13 target educator behaviours related to the three overlapping categories of CELEBRATE language, CELEBRATE Mealtime, and CELEBRATE Play. These practices recognize and support the development of a child’s sense of autonomy, confidence, and self-regulation not only at mealtimes but also through play-based exploration and language that is used throughout the day around food and feeding. The goal is that children will be open to a wide variety of food, develop their self-regulation skills, and build the foundation for a positive relationship with food throughout their lifetime. - Arti Sharma Parpia MSc,
- Teresa J. Valenzano PhD,
- Rachael Bosma PhD,
- Brianna Bavota BASc,
- Gabrielle Deveaux BASc,
- Ron Wald MDCM MPH FRCPC, and
- Kimberley Bradley PhD
Individuals receiving hemodialysis are at increased risk of malnutrition; however, regular diagnosis of malnutrition using subjective global assessment (SGA) is time-consuming. This study aimed to determine whether the Canadian Nutrition Screening Tool (CNST) or the Geriatric Nutrition Risk Index (GNRI) screening tools could accurately identify hemodialysis patients at risk for malnutrition. A retrospective medical chart review was conducted for in-centre day shift hemodialysis patients (n = 95) to obtain the results of the SGA assessment and the CNST screener and to calculate the GNRI score. Sensitivity and specificity analyses showed only a fair agreement between the SGA and CNST (sensitivity = 20%; specificity 96%; κ = .210 (95% CI, -0.015 to .435), p < .05) and between the SGA and GNRI (sensitivity = 35%; specificity = 88%; κ = .248 (95% CI, .017 to .479), p < .05). There was no significant statistical difference between the accuracy of either tool in identifying patients at risk of malnutrition (p = .50). The CNST and GNRI do not accurately screen for risk of malnutrition in the hemodialysis population; therefore, further studies are needed to determine an effective malnutrition screening tool in this population.- OPEN ACCESSThe purpose of this literature review is to evaluate the extant research addressing food insecurity and mental health among street-involved 2S/LGBTQI+ youth in Canada. Searches were undertaken in academic databases, Google, and Google Scholar for relevant research articles, reports, and grey literature. Our team found nil research specifically addressing food insecurity and the mental health of street-involved 2S/LGBTQI+ youth in Canada. Given that, contextual and contributory factors affecting the mental health and food security of this population are discussed. The available research demonstrates a significant misalignment between the existing support mechanisms and the requirements of this specific population. This underscores the urgent necessity for the establishment of structurally competent, safe, and easily accessible resources. Moreover, there is a clear imperative for additional research endeavors aimed at addressing knowledge deficiencies. These efforts are crucial in empowering dietitians to facilitate enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration, thereby fostering the creation of sustainable, accessible, and appropriate food systems tailored to the needs of this vulnerable demographic.
- Annie Lalande MD,
- Keiko Patterson BSc,
- Neha Gadhari PhD,
- Andrea J. Macneill MD MSc, FRCSC, and
- Jiaying Zhao PhD
Purpose: Patient dissatisfaction with hospital food is an important driver of poor food intake in hospitals. The objective of this study was to examine patient satisfaction with current menu offerings and explore patient preferences and values, in order to inform a patient-centred menu redesign.Methods: Between July and September 2021, a cross-sectional survey was distributed to inpatients receiving a lunch tray at Vancouver General Hospital, a large tertiary care centre in Vancouver, Canada. The survey was based on the Acute Care Hospital Foodservice Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire, with additional questions on food experience, factors impacting preferences for hospital meals, interest in plant-rich diets, and demographics.Results: The response rate was 5.5%, with 271 patients completing at least part of the survey. On a 5-point Likert scale, (5 – highest score; 1 – lowest score) satisfaction with food quality (mean = 3.09, p < 0.001) and the overall experience (mean = 3.54, p < 0.001) was lower than industry benchmark of 4, and qualitative feedback was generally negative. Open-ended responses indicated patients were interested in expanded cultural diversity in food provision, more fresh produce and better flavours, and were generally open to trying plant-rich foods.Conclusions: A number of opportunities for improvement were identified in this survey, which will inform an upcoming menu redesign in this institution.- OPEN ACCESS
- Anisha Mahajan PhD, RD,
- Alison M. Duncan PhD, RD,
- Gerarda Darlington PhD,
- Jess Haines PhD, RD,
- David W.L. MA PhD,
- Andrea C. Buchholz PhD, RD, and
- On behalf of the Guelph Family Health Study
Purpose: Our understanding of the influence of sugar intake on anthropometrics among young children is limited. Most existing research is cross-sectional and has focused on sugar-sweetened beverages. The study objective was to investigate longitudinal associations between young children’s total, free, and added sugar intake from all food sources at baseline with anthropometric measures at baseline and 18 months.Methods: The Guelph Family Health Study (GFHS) is an ongoing randomized controlled trial and a family-based health promotion study. Food records and anthropometric data were collected at baseline (n = 109, 55 males; 3.7 ± 1.1 y, mean ± SD) and 18 months (n = 109, 55 males; 5.1 ± 1.1 y) of the GFHS pilots. Associations between sugar intakes and anthropometrics were estimated using linear regression models with generalized estimating equations adjusted for age, sex, household income, and intervention status.Results: Total sugar intake was inversely associated with body weight at 18 months (P = 0.01). There was no effect of time on any other associations between total, free, and added sugar intakes and anthropometrics.Conclusions: Early life dietary sugar intakes may not relate to anthropometric measures in the short term. Further investigation into potential associations between dietary sugar intakes and anthropometric variables over longer time periods is warranted. - Colleen Miller MHSc, RD,
- Julia Taylor RD,
- Ruby Tong PMDip,
- Samantha Thompson RD,
- Emily Thomson RD,
- Ann Robertson RD, and
- Rosine Bishara MSc, RD
There is paucity of data assessing levels of food/beverage waste in long-term care (LTC) facilities, especially in Ontario. Observations in the Veteran’s Centre (VC) at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (Sunnybrook) indicated food/beverage waste may be high, potentially impacting sustainability efforts within our institution. Before proceeding with waste reduction efforts, we conducted a comprehensive 3-day waste-audit of food/beverage items provided to VC residents with the goal of understanding the extent of food/beverage waste at VC, items wasted, and any other factors that may inform future changes. Our results indicate that 28% of items served to residents were wasted. Lunch was the meal with greatest waste at 31% and waste of solid items was 12% higher than that of liquids. We observed a large variability in waste between residents and within each resident, with 15% of residents wasting >50% of items provided. This study provides a deeper insight into the magnitude of food/beverage waste in a LTC population and highlights the importance of considering individualized strategies to address waste to avoid negative impact on residents.- Christine Marie Mills RD, MPH, PhD,
- Heather Keller RD, PhD, FDC, FCAHS,
- Vincent G. DePaul PT, PhD, and
- Catherine Donnelly OT, PhD
Purpose: To examine the social network factors associated with changes in nutrition risk scores, measured by SCREEN-8, over three years, in community-dwelling Canadians aged 45 years and older, using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA).Methods: Change in SCREEN-8 scores between the baseline and first follow-up waves of the CLSA was calculated by subtracting SCREEN-8 scores at follow-up from baseline scores. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine the factors associated with change in SCREEN-8 score.Results: The mean SCREEN-8 score at baseline was 38.7 (SD = 6.4), and the mean SCREEN-8 score at follow-up was 37.9 (SD = 6.6). The mean change in SCREEN-8 score was −0.90 (SD = 5.99). Higher levels of social participation (participation in community activities) were associated with increases in SCREEN-8 scores between baseline and follow-up, three years later.Conclusions: Dietitians should be aware that individuals with low levels of social participation may be at risk for having their nutritional status decrease over time and consideration should be given to screening them proactively for nutrition risk. Dietitians can develop and support programs aimed at combining food with social participation.- OPEN ACCESS
- Antonia Harvey PDt, MScAHN,
- Jessica Mannette MA,
- Rotem Sigall-Boneh RD, MSc,
- Brad Macintyre BScH,
- Matthew Parrott PhD,
- Leah Cahill RD/PDt, PhD,
- Jessica Connors PhD,
- Anthony Otley MD, MSc,
- Jennifer Haskett PDt, BSNH,
- Johan van Limbergen MD, PhD, and
- Shannan Grant PDt, MSc, PhD
Literature on dietary behaviours of the pediatric Crohn’s Disease (CD) population and the relationship between dietary intake and CD activity is limited. Three dietary indices were developed and tested to conduct dietary pattern analysis in pediatric patients with CD consuming a free diet following remission induction via exclusive enteral nutrition (n = 11). Index scores underwent descriptive and inferential analysis. The mean adjusted scores (out of 100) for the Pediatric Western Diet Index, Pediatric Prudent Diet Index, and Pediatric-Adapted 2010 Alternate Healthy Eating Index (PA2010-AHEI) were 29.82 ± 15.22, 34.25 ± 15.18, and 51.50 ± 11.69, respectively. The mean Western-to-Prudent ratio was 0.94 ± 0.55. A significant correlation (r = −0.71) and relationship (F[1, 9] = 9.04, P < 0.05, R2 = 0.501) between the Western-to-Prudent ratio and PA2010-AHEI was found. The results suggest participants were not following a Western or Prudent diet, and were consuming foods not captured by the indices. More research is needed to describe dietary intake of individuals with CD, validate dietary indices in diverse samples, and explore the utility of these indices in CD assessment and treatment. The co-authors hope this work will stimulate/inspire subsequent interprofessional, dietitian-led research on this topic. - Virginie Drolet-Labelle DtP, MSc,
- Danielle Laurin PhD,
- Alexandra Bédard DtP, PhD,
- Vicky Drapeau DtP, PhD, and
- Sophie Desroches DtP, PhD
Purpose: Major changes were made to Canada’s Food Guide (CFG) in 2019. This study aimed to understand the perceptions of older adults toward this newest version.Methods: Older adults were invited to participate via newsletters sent to older adults and retirees’ organizations in the Province of Quebec. Participants completed an online survey about their baseline familiarity with the 2019 CFG using a 5-point Likert scale and took part in an individual semi-structured online interview, which explored their perceptions toward the 2019 CFG. A thematic qualitative analysis of the interview transcripts was performed.Results: Fifty-eight older adults (>65 years, 30 women, 28 men, including 19 consumers and 39 non-consumers of plant-based protein (PBP) foods) participated in the study. Older adults were mostly familiar with the 2019 CFG and had a positive perception of its features. They appreciated the design, proposed recipes, and healthy eating recommendations. Perceptions about the three food groups were mixed, mainly regarding the decreased emphasis on dairy products. Some appreciated that animal proteins were less prominent, while others raised issues on how to integrate PBP into their diet. Perceptions appeared to be influenced by sex and PBP consumption.Conclusion: Older adults in the Province of Quebec view most of the 2019 CFG recommendations positively. Our observations may be useful to dietitians and public health practitioners when developing strategies to improve adherence.- Vanessa Trinca MSc,
- Sarah A. Wu PhD,
- Hana Dakkak RD, MScFN,
- Maryam Iraniparast PhD,
- Allison Cammer RD, PhD,
- Christina Lengyel RD, PhD,
- Hannah M. O’rourke RN, PhD,
- Natalie Rowe MID,
- Susan E. Slaughter PhD,
- Natalie Carrier PhD,
- Suzanne Quiring RD,
- Ruth Harvie RD, PhD, and
- Heather Keller RD, PhD
Purpose: To assess care home and staff characteristics associated with task-focused (TF) and relationship-centred care (RCC) mealtime practices prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: Staff working in Canadian and American care homes were invited to complete a 23-item online survey assessing their perceptions of mealtime care, with one item assessing 26 potential care practices from the Mealtime Relational Care Checklist (relationship-centred = 15; task-focused = 11) reported to occur in the home prior to the pandemic. Multivariate linear regression evaluated staff and care home characteristics associated with mealtime practices.Results: Six hundred and eighty-six respondents completed all questions used in this analysis. Mean TF and RCC mealtime practices were 4.89 ± 1.99 and 9.69 ± 2.96, respectively. Staff age was associated with TF and RCC practices with those 40–55 years reporting fewer TF and those 18–39 years reporting fewer RCC practices. Those providing direct care were more likely to report TF practices. Dissatisfaction with mealtimes was associated with more TF and fewer RCC practices. Homes that were not making changes to promote RCC pre-pandemic had more TF and fewer RCC practices. Newer care homes were associated with more RCC, while small homes (≤49 beds) had more TF practices.Conclusions: Mealtime practices are associated with staff and home factors. These factors should be considered in efforts to improve RCC practices in Canadian homes.- OPEN ACCESSLand2Lab is an evolving community-based intergenerational program that brings together Elders and youth on the land and in the kitchen and lab to share and celebrate Mi’kmaw foodways. Rooted in an Etuaptmumk-Two Eyed Seeing (E-TES) perspective, which acknowledges both Indigenous and Western ways of knowing, the project to date has featured seasonal food workshops, involvement in a children’s summer math camp, a food safety training workshop for teens, and the development of an online toolkit. The project was guided by the Mi’kmaw principle of Netukulimk, which reinforces respect for Mother Earth and stewardship of the land, water, and air for subsequent generations. Involvement of community leaders has been key to successful planning and implementation. While technology plays an important role, lessons learned on the land are critical and will inform efforts to include language and ceremony in future programming. Dietitians are encouraged to support Indigenous-led land-based learning in support of the profession’s commitment to reconciliation.
- Purpose: The Canadian federal government has expressed an intention to work with provinces and territories to develop a national school food program (SFP). This study aimed to explore caregivers’ perception of attributes important to include in a future SFP.Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted. Fifteen elementary schools from high, medium, or low median income neighbourhoods in Saskatoon were invited to participate. School principals sent a survey link to students’ caregivers. The 37-item survey included an item with 15 statements asking caregivers to rate the importance of various components of a SFP. Descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis were conducted.Results: A total of 510 caregivers completed the survey (response rate of 52%). The factor analysis indicated four key components of a future SFP: (1) learning opportunities on growing and preparing food, (2) offering healthy food following Canada’s Food Guide, (3) affordability of the meals offered, and (4) cultural adaptability of the meal program. Over 90% of caregivers thought providing healthy meals and ample time to eat meals to be very important.Conclusion: Our results indicate caregivers support multicomponent meal programs that, along with providing nutritious food, help children build healthy habits and sustainable food systems. These findings will help dietitians understand caregivers’ perspectives to inform the design of a national SFP.
