The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services:

Provincial Government Recognizes Nutrition Month

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform this Honourable House that March is national Nutrition Month. The month’s theme, Best Food Forward: Plan Shop Cook Enjoy! encourages consumers to make healthy choices when grocery shopping.

To assist consumers in navigating the grocery store, the Affordable Healthy Eating Guide has recently been made available through the Department of Health and Community Services. Based on Canada’s Food Guide, the Affordable Healthy Eating Guide provides helpful meal planning and grocery shopping tips and recipes. This resource was developed as part of the Eat Great and Participate program in collaboration with regional nutritionists from the four regional health authorities. The guide is now available on the Department of Health and Community Services website.

Mr. Speaker, Nutrition Month is an initiative of the Dietitians of Canada, the association representing registered dietitians across the country, with more than 100 members in Newfoundland and Labrador. By visiting the organization’s website at www.dietitians.ca , people can access fact sheets that feature helpful tips to help them plan, shop and cook; an iPhone app that will send users a tip-a-day on the Nutrition Month theme; and, a list of Nutrition Month activities that are taking place throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mr. Speaker, we know that good nutrition is a key component of overall well-being. Our government recognizes the importance of living healthy and promoting wellness.
Each year, we focus on programs and projects that further the goals of the Provincial Wellness Plan.

In 2012, we provided grant funding to 37 community-based organizations through the Provincial Wellness Grants program. Projects funded under this initiative included community gardens and kitchens, and a program that brought youth and seniors together to learn how to prepare healthy, low-cost meals. We are currently reviewing applications for the 2013 program.

Mr. Speaker, our government will continue to strengthen our community partnerships and encourage residents to take an active role in their health and wellness. We all have a role to play in implementing the actions required to improve wellness.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2013 03 12                             2:10 p.m.