Notice Board

The Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA) presents a session discussing the new Canada Food Guide.

If we follow the new Canada Food Guide, are we likely to live Healthier Lives?

Date:                    Thursday, October 24, 2019
Time:                    Doors open 11:30 a.m., Presentation 12 p.m., buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 p.m.
Location:              Royal Canadian Legion (north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr S Lethbridge
Cost:                    $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

The new Canada Food Guide was recently released and includes an online suite of resources that better meet the needs of different users including the general public, policy makers, health professionals, health-care centres, childcare centres and schools. The Canada Food Guide has a long history of being used and is promoted by health professionals when supporting Canadians to eat well. The Food Guide can help influence the foods served and sold in Canada’s public institutions like workplaces, health-care centres, recreation centres and schools.

The speaker will provide guidance on the issues surrounding nutritious foods and beverages that are the foundation for healthy eating and as well, foods and beverages that can have a negative impact on health when consumed on a regular basis. Food skills as a practical way to support healthy eating will also be discussed along with current evidence on topics such as sodium, saturated fat and sugars, and supportive environments for healthy eating. Creating supportive environments across settings, such as schools, health-care centres, recreation centres and workplaces can help increase the influence of the guidelines and build understanding about the content and key features of the Food Guide.

Speaker:              Heather Mathur

Heather is a registered dietitian with Alberta Health Services and has spent the last 22 years working as a population and public health dietitian.  Previous to this position, Heather worked in Edmonton, Stettler, Coronation and Thousand Oaks, California.  She graduated from the University of Alberta and completed her two-year dietetic internship at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.

Heather’s current position concentrates on the social determinants of health with a focus on nutrition throughout the life cycle. Her work involves community development and nutrition education. Heather sits on various committees including Healthy Communities Association of Lethbridge and Area and the Better Beginnings Steering Committee.  Heather is registered with the College of Dietitians of Alberta and the American Dietetic Association.

Moderator:         Jennifer Tarnowsky

For more information on the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs, visit the SACPA website.