St. Francis Xavier University professors are reaping the benefits of a $1 million research grant.
Several StFX researchers are working diligently on trying to break the long history of inadequate food supply to families in Nova Scotia.
The project called Community Food Security is for communities to obtain safe, culturally acceptable, nutritionally adequate diet through a sustainable food system, one that maximizes community self-reliance and social justice.
The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council's Community-University Research Alliance (CURA) program has awarded $1 million to this research alliance. Involved in the research project from StFX are Dr. Doris Gillis, Professor Christine Johnson, both from the Department of Human Nutrition (Prof. Johnson also represents the Nova Scotia Food Security Network); Dr. Anna MacLeod, adjunct professor in the School of Education and Ms. Colleen Cameron, School of Nursing. StFX Service Learning and the National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health at StFX are also part of this initiative.
Researchers at StFX are collaborating with Dr. Patty Williams, Canada Research Chair at Mount Saint Vincent University, the Nova Scotia Food Security Network and other key community, government and academic partners.
“This research draws together our expertise in participatory research with our interests in community food security as a key determinant of health in Nova Scotia,” says Dr. Gillis. “Our involvement in this five-year community-university research endeavor will also expand opportunities for our students and integrated dietetic interns to develop knowledge about policy change and practical skills needed to address the food security challenges that communities in our region encounter.”
Building upon a long standing, well-respected academic and community partnership in Nova Scotia, the funding will enhance understandings of Community Food Security in concept and practice while strengthening capacity for policy change at multiple levels, added Dr. Gillis.
“I am very excited to be a part of this team working to understand community food security and the factors that affect food access and food systems within communities,” said Professor Johnson. “This work presents an opportunity to build upon existing partnerships in communities throughout Nova Scotia and across the country to help strengthen communities and our local food systems, and inform related policy. It also presents substantial opportunities through internships, research, and service learning for students to engage in research and community action which will enhance their fields of study,” added Professor Johnson.