Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
November 4, 2014

Investing in Wellness of Families and Communities

Minister Encourages Participation in 2014 Good Food Challenge

The Provincial Government is encouraging all citizens to eat better this month by participating in the Food Security Network of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Good Food Challenge, a program developed to encourage better food choices and to help overcome some of the obstacles to eating healthy.

“As a government, we want to help all residents live a well-balanced, healthy and active lifestyle. It is through initiatives such as the Good Food Challenge that we can do just that. I encourage everyone to do what they can – even if it’s just small changes at first – to take that first step towards making better food choices. Everyone can make a conscious decision to start eating healthier, today, and to carry that commitment forward. The new Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development was created, in part, to bring more focus to government-wide efforts to promote healthy eating and other wellness initiatives.”
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

To sign up for the Good Food Challenge, visit: www.goodfoodchallenge.ca .

Founded in 1998, the Food Security Network is a provincial, membership-based, non-profit organization created in response to concerns about hunger and poverty in the province. The organization’s main objective is to ensure all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have access to adequate and healthy food. The Provincial Government provides $105,000 to the Food Security Network annually in support of their work, including the Good Food Challenge. For more information about the Food Security Network, visit: www.foodsecuritynews.com .

“The Food Security Network is excited to launch the 2014 Good Food Challenge this month. The challenge is intended to encourage people across the province to think about their food and pay close attention to what they eat for the month of November. We will be providing tips, questions, resources, and facts throughout the month in order to inspire, inform, and ignite conversation and action. With almost 250 people already signed up, the 2014 Good Food Challenge is sure to be a success!”
- Kristie Jameson, Executive Director, Food Security Network NL

The Provincial Government recognizes the importance of healthy eating and that well-nourished individuals of all ages are better able to actively participate in the life of their communities. Strategies and supports for healthy eating initiatives include, but are not limited to:

• Eating Healthier in Newfoundland and Labrador, a provincial framework and action plan, which serves as a guide to support individuals, community organizations, industry and government in achieving nutritional well-being.
• Support for the Kids Eat Smart Foundation, which provides breakfast programs to children in K-12 schools throughout the province; and
• Eat Great and Participate, a program designed to increase access to healthy food and beverage choices in recreation, sport and community facilities and at events.

For more information on healthy eating in Newfoundland and Labrador, visit: //www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/wellnesshealthyliving/healthyeating.html.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government is encouraging all citizens to eat better this month by participating in the Food Security Network of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Good Food Challenge, a program developed to encourage better food choices and to help overcome some of the obstacles to eating healthy.
• The Provincial Government provides $105,000 annually in support of the Food Security Network of Newfoundland and Labrador.
• For more information about the Good Food Challenge, visit: www.foodsecuritynews.com .
• The Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development was created, in part, to bring more focus to government-wide efforts to promote healthy eating and other wellness initiatives.

- 30 -

Photo:

Media contacts:

2014 11 04                                        11:00 a.m.