| Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life (Rome Deceleration of World Food Security, 1996). The most recent report on food insecurity shows that an estimated 3.7 million Canadians (14.7% of the population) nationwide experienced food insecurity in 2000-2001 (Ledrou & Gervais, 2005). Ledrou & Gervais (2005) reported seven percent of Canadians experienced the most severe form of food insecurity: they or someone in the household did not have enough to eat because of a lack of money. Since 1989, there has been an increase of more than 184, 309 hungry children and a 118% increase in the use of food banks throughout Canada (Canadian Association of Food Banks, 2005).;Food security is recognized as an important determinant of health (McIntyre, 2004; Public Health Agency of Canada, 2005). Numerous studies note the relationship between inadequate nutrient intake, poor health and food insecurity (Kendall, Olson and Frongillo, 1996; Rose & Oliveira, 1997a; Rose, 1999; Tarasuk and Beaton, 1999; Klesges, Pahor, Shorr et al., 2001; McIntyre, Glanville, Raine et al., 2003; Olson, 1999; Hamelin, Habicht and Beaudry, 1999; McIntyre, Connor and Warren, 2000; Sarlio-Lahteenkorva and Lahelma, 2001; Che and Chen, 2001; Rainville and Brink, 2001; Alamio, Olson and Frongillo, 2001 a; Townsend, Peerson, Love et al., 2001; Vozoris and Tarasuk, 2003; Stuff, Casey, Szeto et al., 2004; Casey, Szeto, Robbins et al., 2005). A growing body of empirical research examining the negative associations between food insecurity and well-being signifies the emergence of food security as a public health concern. Further, the negative cost externalities associated with the effects of food insecurity may contribute to rising health care costs. In order to improve the health of Canadians, it is imperative that conditions of food insecurity throughout the country are well understood. A population health approach, addressing determinants of health such as food insecurity has the potential to reduce material and social inequalities within the population and improve overall health outcomes (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2005). For these reasons, the following research questions are examined: (1) What is the prevalence and distribution of household food insecurity in Canada? (2) What associations exist between household food insecurity and household level sociodemographic characteristics? (3) What associations exist between household food insecurity and individual level socio demographic and other selected characteristics? (4) What is the likelihood of experiencing selected health outcomes based on each dimension of household food insecurity status?;The conceptual framework developed for this research encompasses both household and individual level characteristics, and seeks to establish relationships among these variables, food insecurity and health outcomes (Figure 1.1). The variables included in this model are of interest because of their previously documented relationships with food insecurity and hypothesized associations (Che and Chen, 2001; Rainville and Brink, 2001:Vozoris and Tarasuk, 2003). Household level socio-demographic characteristics and individual level characteristics are examined as potential explanatory variables for household level food insecurity. Household food insecurity is measured via four different dimensions: food insecure, compromised diet, food anxiety and food poverty . Each dimension is then examined in relation to selected health outcomes.*.;The body of this analysis contains five sections. A thorough review of the food security literature outlines background topics such as the socio-political context of food insecurity in Canada as well as the conceptualization of food security. A chronological evaluation of the tools used to measure food insecurity is conducted and the current gold standard measure is reviewed. Results of the analysis are then presented to showcase the associations of food insecurity in relation to sociodemographic, health and psychosocial characteristics. Research findings are discussed relative to the research questions answered and those that are raised.;Canada recognized the importance of food security in April 2005 by voting in favour of the UN Commission on Human Rights 'right to food resolution'. This pledge supports a previous commitment that includes Canada's signing of The Rome Declaration on World Food Security along with 186 other countries in 1996. Signing this non-binding treaty galvanized the Canadian government into action and resulted in the creation of Canada's Action Plan for Food Security (1998) and a government branch called the Food Security Bureau. However, after several years, food security conditions have failed to improve throughout Canada.;*Please refer to dissertation for diagrams. |
