Hi

I believe given the amount of money a person receives on social assistance.  For example $520.00 a month for a single person,  and when you factor in the average cost of rent in cities such as Ottawa and Toronto; there is not much choice about what you are going to eat as well as where you will get your food.   Mostly at a food bank or a soup kitchen.  "Oppression is the absence of options" Bell Hooks


Fred Sadori
Public Participation Coordinator
Somerset West Community Health Centre

>>> Jacquie Poitras <[log in to unmask]> 01/08 2:42 PM >>>
I think that is a very narrow point of view to take.  To say that we, as public
health practitioners, shouldn't be focusing on the nutrition habits of
disadvantaged people because we wouldn't do the same for the middle-class is,
quite frankly, a cop-out.  We work within a certain framework--the social,
cultural and economic structure that surrounds us--and we need to acknowledge
that in our work.  While the average welfare recipient may not have a ton of
money to throw around, they are still given some money and the choice between
buying nutritious food or fast food.  Giving them more money does not remove
the choice.  Part of our work is to instill the value of health in everyone so
that everyone, regardless of income or advantage, makes the healthiest choices
they can.

More money is not the solution--though it may be part of a more comprehensive
policy and program initiative.  The solution is changing knowledge, attitudes
and behaviours at the individual level, resulting in a global impact.

Jacquie Poitras



 --- Dennis Raphael <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > you may
see it, but the populationn health survey indicates otherwsie.
>
> I do not see public health nurses going into Rosedale to tell middle class
> people how to live their lives,
>
> dennis
>
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