Limited research exists on the role of community food programs, such as cooking circles, in Canadian Arctic communities. This research investigates the Nutrition North Canada cooking circle program in the Inuvialuit (Inuit) hamlet of Paulatuk, NWT. The objectives are to 1) collaboratively evaluate the program's impact on healthy food intake, and awareness/knowledge accumulation regarding healthier eating and meal preparation techniques; 2) assess the program's intangible (e.g., social, cultural, and mental health) benefits to participants and community wellbeing; and 3) analyze the potential for consistent country food integration; 4) to generate a culturally relevant logic model; 5) to evaluate program implementation in terms of key enablers and barriers - namely, funding, space and equipment, and human resources. This research applies a Community-Based Participatory Research approach to implementing a collaborative process and outcome program evaluation, with necessary modifications due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods include logic model co-design, document analysis of NNC annual reports (n = 9) and proposals (n = 2), a series of regular/weekly iterative videoconference conversations with the Paulatuk cooking circle facilitator out of which two were transcribed and analyzed (n = 2), videoconference semi-structured interview with a regional program manager (n = 1), telephone semi-structured interviews with cooking circle facilitators from other communities (n = 4), telephone (n = 1) and in-person (n = 12) semi-structured interviews with Paulatuk cooking circle participants. The Mukluk Logic Model played an instrumental role in the conceptualization of the process evaluation, recognizing the specificity of location, program facilitation, and culture. The process evaluation results indicated that the long-standing sustainability of Paulatuk's cooking circle program is directly related to the consistency of program funding, community-engaged facilitation practices, and creative utilization of the community's multi-purpose space for program activities. However, significant barriers to program implementation limit program sustainability. These include funding amounts and distribution, limitations related to space and equipment, and a challenging human resources context (hiring and retention). The cooking circle participants reported an increase in intake of healthy food, awareness of healthy eating/cooking, and positive social and mental health aspects of the program. A considerable effort from local and regional stakeholders is required to integrate country food into program activities. This study provides insight into cooking circle program implementation in a Canadian Arctic community, illustrating the utility of qualitative process evaluation research in this context and generating important knowledge and insights to better support northern community-based food preparation programs. Additionally, this research highlights the role of local-scale initiatives in supporting food security, overall wellbeing, and integration of country food in program activities in remote, Arctic communities.

A alimentação da criança é uma necessidade e um direito que deve ser respeitado porque dela depende, em parte, o nível de saúde e desenvolvimento que poderá ter em sua vida adulta, na qual interferem fatores sociais e culturais que determinam a forma de alimentá-la. Portanto, torna-se relevante identificar as representações sociais que as reponsáveis pelo cuidado do menor de 5 anos têm em relação à alimentação e aos componentes alimentares do Programa Oportunidades, considerando seu contexto social e cultural, desde o enfoque teórico das Representações, exposto por Quieroz (2000). Para tal, foi realizada uma investigação qualitativa, com abordagem antropológica, tipo etnográfica, baseada em observação participante e em entrevistas semi-estruturadas dirigidas à responsáveis pelo cuidado do menor, as quais pertencem ao módulo No. 8, da cidade de Tizimín, Yucatán, México. O trabalho de campo foi realizado durante os meses de janeiro a abril de 2008, tendo sido solicitado, previamente, o consentimento livre e esclarecido das responsáveis. As informações captadas foram transcritas e, posteriormente, foi realizada a análise de conteúdo, segundo o recomendado por Gómes (1993), resultando em duas categorias empíricas: 1) dar de comer e 2) uma ajuda. Em relação à primeira, trata da forma como as responsáveis representam a alimentação da criança menor de 5 anos, sobre a qual influenciam os escassos recursos econômicos que têm para adquirirem os alimentos, a falta de conhecimentos sobre aspectos específicos desta alimentação, as sabedorias culturais que lhes são transmitidas por suas mães ou sogras, a propaganda maciça a que são submetidas para o consumo de alimentos industrializados e a informação proporcionada pelo pessoal de saúde, os quais, em seu conjunto, levam-nas a realizarem determinadas práticas e a valorizarem os alimentos que favorecem ou limitam a alimentação da criança. Em relação à cultura, sobressaem as práticas que não permitem uma alimentação saudável por não promoverem quantidade, qualidade e consistência adequadas de alimentos recomendados às crianças de acordo com suas idades. Tal situação, quando aliada às condições precárias em que vivem, faz com que as crianças permaneçam vulneráveis a apresentarem ou manterem-se em estado de desnutrição. Por outro lado, os componentes do Programa Oportunidades representam uma ajuda para elas, ao promoverem benefícios que possam ajudá-las a solucionar algumas necessidades apresentadas. No entanto, em relação à alimentação e saúde não tem sido possível alcançar os resultados esperados, visto que estes apoios são insuficientes para que a responsável possa promover uma alimentação saudável. Além disso, o próprio Programa apresenta limitações internas e problemas em sua forma de inserção, operacionalização e distribuição dos apoios. Finalmente, a metodologia utilizada permitiu alcançar os objetivos propostos ao compreender as responsáveis nesta complexa tarefa que realizam de alimentar as crianças menores de 5 anos. / Children\'s food is a need and a right that should be attended to, because it is partially responsible for their health and development level when adults, influenced by social and cultural factors that determine the way they are fed. This makes it relevant to identify the social representations of the persons responsible for taking care of children under five years old in terms of food and the food components of the Opportunity Program, in view of its social and cultural context, based on Queiroz\' (2000) theoretical focus of Representations. A qualitative ethnographic study with an anthropological approach was carried out, based on participant observation and semi-structured interviews with 14 people responsible for taking care of children in module No. 8 of Tizimín, a city in the state of Yucatán, Mexico. The field research was carried out between January and April 2008, after obtaining the responsibles\' free and informed consent. The collected information was transcribed and then submitted to content analysis according to Gómes (1993), resulting in the following empirical categories: 1) giving food and 2) help. The category giving food refers to how the responsible represent the food of children under five years old, influenced by their lack of economic resources to purchase food items, lack of knowledge on specific aspects of children\'s food, cultural knowledge they receive from their mother or mother-in-law to feed the child, the strong propaganda they receive to consume industrialized foods and the information they receive from health professionals. All of these factors together make them perform certain practices and attribute value to food items that favor or limit the child\'s food. With respect to culture, practices stand out which do not allow for healthy food by not providing foods in a quantity, quality and consistency recommended for children of their age, combined with the precarious conditions they live in. Thus, the children are vulnerable to or present malnutrition. On the other hand, the components of the Opportunity Program represent help, offering them benefits that can help them to solve some needs. However, in terms of food and health, they have not reached the expected results because this support has been insufficient for the responsible to be able to offer healthy food. At the same time, in the same Program, they present limits or problems related to how this support is inserted, put in practice and distributed. Finally, the adopted methodology permitted reaching the proposed goals by understanding the responsibles in this complex task of feeding children under five years old.

abstract: Despite the literature suggesting that fruits and vegetables (F&V) can have a protective outcome against overweight, obesity and chronic diseases, consumption is still inadequate. In order to address under consumption of F&V among children, schools have become a platform for a variety of food programs. The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiative, aims to increase exposure and consumption of F&V in low-income school children by providing F&V snacks. Participation in FFVP has been associated with higher preference and consumption of F&V and research also suggests that the program has the potential to decrease rates of overweight and obesity. The benefits of this program have been found to extend outside of the school setting, with higher requests for F&V at home and at the grocery store. This study aims to explore how children’s participation in the FFVP influences home food environments and shopping practices through qualitative analysis focus group data. Four focus groups were held with parents (n=25) from three FFVP participating schools. The data was analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach to find themes within the discussions. The findings were grouped into three categories: General Perceptions of FFVP, Impact of FFVP on the Home Food Environment, and Impact of FFVP on Shopping Practices. For General Perceptions of FFVP, themes were: Children learn about and enjoy F&V, awareness of farm to school programs, and children make healthier choices. Impact of FFVP on the Home Food Environment included the themes: Choosing heathier foods and snacks, parent F&V behaviors, children request F&V at home, and children talk about or bring F&V home. Finally, Impact of FFVP on Shopping Practices included the themes: children’s involvement in shopping, children request to buy F&V, children request non-produce items, and parents decline or limit unhealthy requests. This qualitative study provides valuable insights about how FFVP participation influences child and family behaviors towards F&V at home and in the grocery store. School food programs, such as the FFVP, have a positive influence on F&V related behaviors among children and should be continued and expanded. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Obesity Prevention and Management 2018

A alimentação da criança é uma necessidade e um direito que deve ser respeitado porque dela depende, em parte, o nível de saúde e desenvolvimento que poderá ter em sua vida adulta, na qual interferem fatores sociais e culturais que determinam a forma de alimentá-la. Portanto, torna-se relevante identificar as representações sociais que as reponsáveis pelo cuidado do menor de 5 anos têm em relação à alimentação e aos componentes alimentares do Programa Oportunidades, considerando seu contexto social e cultural, desde o enfoque teórico das Representações, exposto por Quieroz (2000). Para tal, foi realizada uma investigação qualitativa, com abordagem antropológica, tipo etnográfica, baseada em observação participante e em entrevistas semi-estruturadas dirigidas à responsáveis pelo cuidado do menor, as quais pertencem ao módulo No. 8, da cidade de Tizimín, Yucatán, México. O trabalho de campo foi realizado durante os meses de janeiro a abril de 2008, tendo sido solicitado, previamente, o consentimento livre e esclarecido das responsáveis. As informações captadas foram transcritas e, posteriormente, foi realizada a análise de conteúdo, segundo o recomendado por Gómes (1993), resultando em duas categorias empíricas: 1) dar de comer e 2) uma ajuda. Em relação à primeira, trata da forma como as responsáveis representam a alimentação da criança menor de 5 anos, sobre a qual influenciam os escassos recursos econômicos que têm para adquirirem os alimentos, a falta de conhecimentos sobre aspectos específicos desta alimentação, as sabedorias culturais que lhes são transmitidas por suas mães ou sogras, a propaganda maciça a que são submetidas para o consumo de alimentos industrializados e a informação proporcionada pelo pessoal de saúde, os quais, em seu conjunto, levam-nas a realizarem determinadas práticas e a valorizarem os alimentos que favorecem ou limitam a alimentação da criança. Em relação à cultura, sobressaem as práticas que não permitem uma alimentação saudável por não promoverem quantidade, qualidade e consistência adequadas de alimentos recomendados às crianças de acordo com suas idades. Tal situação, quando aliada às condições precárias em que vivem, faz com que as crianças permaneçam vulneráveis a apresentarem ou manterem-se em estado de desnutrição. Por outro lado, os componentes do Programa Oportunidades representam uma ajuda para elas, ao promoverem benefícios que possam ajudá-las a solucionar algumas necessidades apresentadas. No entanto, em relação à alimentação e saúde não tem sido possível alcançar os resultados esperados, visto que estes apoios são insuficientes para que a responsável possa promover uma alimentação saudável. Além disso, o próprio Programa apresenta limitações internas e problemas em sua forma de inserção, operacionalização e distribuição dos apoios. Finalmente, a metodologia utilizada permitiu alcançar os objetivos propostos ao compreender as responsáveis nesta complexa tarefa que realizam de alimentar as crianças menores de 5 anos. / Children\'s food is a need and a right that should be attended to, because it is partially responsible for their health and development level when adults, influenced by social and cultural factors that determine the way they are fed. This makes it relevant to identify the social representations of the persons responsible for taking care of children under five years old in terms of food and the food components of the Opportunity Program, in view of its social and cultural context, based on Queiroz\' (2000) theoretical focus of Representations. A qualitative ethnographic study with an anthropological approach was carried out, based on participant observation and semi-structured interviews with 14 people responsible for taking care of children in module No. 8 of Tizimín, a city in the state of Yucatán, Mexico. The field research was carried out between January and April 2008, after obtaining the responsibles\' free and informed consent. The collected information was transcribed and then submitted to content analysis according to Gómes (1993), resulting in the following empirical categories: 1) giving food and 2) help. The category giving food refers to how the responsible represent the food of children under five years old, influenced by their lack of economic resources to purchase food items, lack of knowledge on specific aspects of children\'s food, cultural knowledge they receive from their mother or mother-in-law to feed the child, the strong propaganda they receive to consume industrialized foods and the information they receive from health professionals. All of these factors together make them perform certain practices and attribute value to food items that favor or limit the child\'s food. With respect to culture, practices stand out which do not allow for healthy food by not providing foods in a quantity, quality and consistency recommended for children of their age, combined with the precarious conditions they live in. Thus, the children are vulnerable to or present malnutrition. On the other hand, the components of the Opportunity Program represent help, offering them benefits that can help them to solve some needs. However, in terms of food and health, they have not reached the expected results because this support has been insufficient for the responsible to be able to offer healthy food. At the same time, in the same Program, they present limits or problems related to how this support is inserted, put in practice and distributed. Finally, the adopted methodology permitted reaching the proposed goals by understanding the responsibles in this complex task of feeding children under five years old.

Individuals who are disadvantaged by low-income and/ or minority status face a number of barriers to experiencing optimal health and eating well. Twenty Aboriginal and 29 non-Aboriginal participants (N = 49) from Ottawa, Canada took part in a cross-sectional, mixed methods study and completed one questionnaire and single in-depth interview that verified: 1) food security status and household eating habits, 2) fruit and vegetable purchase and consumption, and 3) knowledge about or participation in the Good Food Box [GFB] Program. Ottawa GFB staff (n = 5), site coordinators (n = 6) and steering committee members (n = 3) took part in separate discussion groups to identify challenges and strengths related to program coordination, management and delivery. Within an ecological framework, qualitative data is discussed using a social phenomenological and thematic approach. Using χ2 analyses, results suggest a medium effect size and association between food security status and Aboriginal identity (χ2(1) = 8.04, p < 0.01; φ = 0.4) and satisfaction with how stores meet household food needs and gender (χ2(1) = 5.86, p < 0.05; φ = 0.36). A relationship between participation in the GFB Program and food security status (χ2(1) = 11.13, p < 0.01; φ = 0.48) is also shown where estimates suggest that GFB customers are 9.9 times more likely to be food secure compared to non-affiliates. ANOVA results and post-hoc tests demonstrate a significant mean difference in frequency of fruit consumption between GFB customers and non-program users (F(2, 46) = 11.29, p = 0.00) where 29.6% of the variance (ω2 = 0.296) is explained by program participation. Results-based and community-driven recommendations to improve access to healthy food, food security and the GFB Program are discussed as shared responsibilities between different levels of government across sectors and the community since these are public and social health issues, determinants of health and economic concerns. Implications of findings are also discussed.