Food Security for Adults and Seniors with Disabilities in Haliburton

Food Security for Adults and Seniors with Disabilities in Haliburton

Kyla MacDonald

Community Care Haliburton, Ida Shultz

Heather Nicol and Peter Lafleur, Geography

TP_4472

2014

online

Haliburton County

Food Security

‘Food Security for Seniors and Adults with Disabilities in Haliburton County’ is a study designed to research the barriers influencing the availability of healthy food for seniors and adults with disabilities in rural areas. Part of this project involved a survey with Community Care Haliburton clients and the other part involved interviewing program coordinators of food organizations and/or initiatives within the Haliburton County. The ultimate goal of the project was to gather enough information to seek funding to support further studies and to generate solutions to food security and barriers to accessing food. The study suggests that there is a strong demand for fresh fruits and vegetables for seniors and adults with disabilities, and finances are a major barrier for both clients and providers to obtain fresh fruits and vegetables. The capacity for organizations to store large amounts of produce is another major barrier for food organizations. Organizations and community members recognize the value in advocating for their selves and the community through partnership and innovation.