First Nations households living on-reserve experience food insecurity: prevalence and predictors among ninety-two First Nations communities across Canada

et al. 2021

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Objective To describe the rationale, the participatory nature of the methodology, and the lessons learned during the First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study (FNFNES), a community-based participatory research project implemented in eight Assembly of First Nations regions, which includes the entirety of Canada south of the 60th parallel. Methods FNFNES respected the First Nations principles of Ownership, Control, Access and Possession (OCAP®) (https://fnigc.ca/ocap). A random sampling strategy based on an ecosystem framework comprising 11 ecozones was adopted to collect representative nutritional and environmental health results for all First Nations adults living on-reserve south of the 60th parallel. Data collection occurred during the fall months from 2008 to 2016. Respective First Nations were involved in the planning and implementation of data collection for the five principal components: household interviews, tap water sampling for metals, surface water sampling for pharmaceuticals, hair sampling for mercury, and traditional food sampling for contaminants. Results A total of 6487 adults from 92 First Nations participated in the Study (participation rate 78%). A higher percentage of females (66%) participated than males (34%). The average age of males and females was similar (44 and 45 years, respectively). This study offers a novel body of coherent and regionally representative evidence on the human dimension of the ongoing environmental degradation affecting First Nations. Conclusion FNFNES serves as a good example of participatory research. We encourage public health professionals to develop policy and programs building on the participatory dimension of the research as well as on its results. The information collected by the FNFNES is also important for community empowerment, environmental stewardship and the general promotion of good health by and for First Nations peoples in Canada.

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 90%

The First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study (2008–2018)—rationale, design, methods and lessons learned

Chan

Fediuk

et al. 2021

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“…Overall, 56 (60%) participating communities were located more than 50 km away from a service centre, while 17 (18%) had no year-round road access (fly-in/winter roads only). Based on the remoteness index (Alasia et al 2017), FN communities were classified into four groups: zones 1-4 (Batal et al 2021b). In total, 6487 participants aged 19 years and older were recruited to the study with an overall participation rate of 78%.…”

Section: Study Populationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In contrast, only 12.3% of Canadian households experienced some level of food insecurity, with 5.6% being categorized as moderately food insecure and 2.5% as severely food insecure (Tarasuk et al 2013). Among FN, food insecurity is associated with compromised diet quality, poor general and mental health, and a weak sense of community belonging (Egeland et al 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Importance of fish for food and nutrition security among First Nations in Canada

Marushka

Tikhonov

et al. 2021

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Objective To investigate the relationships between fish/seafood consumption patterns and food security status among First Nations (FN) communities in Canada. We estimated the contribution of fish/seafood to daily nutrient requirements. Barriers to traditional food (TF) access including fish were summarized. Methods Data were collected by the First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study (2008–2018). The sample of this participatory study comprised 6258 randomly selected FN adults. Fish/seafood consumption was estimated with a food frequency questionnaire. Food security status was assessed with the Household Food Security Survey Module. The contribution of fish/seafood to protein, n-3 fatty acid, vitamin (A, B12, D, niacin) and mineral (selenium, zinc) requirements was assessed by comparison to Dietary Reference Intakes. Results Regional differences were observed in fish/seafood consumption patterns and their relationship with food security status. In the eastern regions (Ontario, Quebec/Labrador and the Atlantic region), consumption of fish/seafood and other TF was significantly higher among food insecure compared with food secure FN participants. Severely food insecure men (particularly in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec/Labrador and the Atlantic region) tended to eat a higher amount of TF, including fish/seafood, compared with food secure and moderately food insecure men, while no difference was observed in women. Fish/seafood provided good sources of selected nutrients. However, the high cost of harvesting equipment, industry-related activities and climate change reduce access to fish/seafood and other wildlife. Conclusion Fish/seafood continues to be vital to the diet of FN communities. Focusing on policies that support FN increased access to fish/seafood has the potential to decrease food insecurity and support sustainable livelihoods. Future policies should focus on socio-economic determinants of food insecurity and support traditional harvesting and sustainable fisheries among FN communities.

“…Top contributors to micronutrients by percent of total and ranking for Canadian First Nations participants from the FNFNES, 2008−2018 burden of the nutrition transition as it points to the difficulty of obtaining nutrient-dense high-quality MF as well as TF. Incomes are lower in First Nations communities and the remoteness of some communities affects food availability and the People's ability to purchase it due to the high cost(Batal et al 2021a; Expert Panel on the State of Knowledge of Food Security inNorthern Canada 2014; Statistics Canada 2016).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Nutrient adequacy and nutrient sources of adults among ninety-two First Nations communities across Canada

Chan

Ing

et al. 2021

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Objectives To identify food sources of nutrients in First Nations adults in Canada and to establish whether these populations are meeting their nutrient requirements and whether traditional foods (TF) contribute to better nutrient intake. Methods The First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study is a cross-Canada participatory study of First Nations adults living south of the 60th parallel. Twenty-four-hour recalls were conducted in 92 First Nations communities from 2008 to 2016. Repeat recalls were attempted with 20% of participants to adjust for within-person variation and estimate the proportion of individuals below recommendations according to Institute of Medicine guidelines. Nutrients from days with and without TF were compared. The main food sources of select nutrients were identified, including TF. Results Mean energy intakes among women and men ranged from 1664 to 1864 and from 1761 to 2298 kcal/day respectively. Most macronutrients were within the acceptable macronutrient diet range except for fat in most age groups and carbohydrates in men 71 years of age and older. Saturated fat was above recommendations for all ages. Only niacin was identified as above recommendations in all age and sex categories. Days where TF were eaten showed greater intakes of key nutrients. Conclusion It is imperative that we find culturally appropriate ways to improve the quality and nutritional value of First Nations Peoples food intake by improving TF access and use on the one hand and conversely providing better quality store-bought foods. For success in this, we must empower First Nations communities and health practitioners to collaboratively overcome these challenges.