Local Government Reports
The reports below are organized in terms of their relevance for people working for change within the:
public sector (state-led programs and policies),
private sector (private businesses), and the
‘plural’ (grassroots / community / non-profit) sector.
Reports
Cambridge Foodbank 2020/21 Impact Report Statistics
Assessment type: Infographic
Author(s): Cambridge Foodbank
Year: 2020 to 2021
Synopsis: This infographic provides statistics of the impact the Cambridge Foodbank has had in its community. This includes how many pounds of food were distributed, the number of emergency foodbaskets distributed, and more.
Emergency Food Programs in Waterloo Region: A useful guide for people in immediate need of food
Assessment type: List of resources
Author(s): Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services
Year: February 2020
Synopsis: This guide provides resources on emergency food resources in Waterloo Region, including location, contact information and description.This guide does not list every program available in Waterloo Region. Please note that hours of operation and services may change. You may want to call the program to confirm the hours and services offered.
Healthy Food in Waterloo Region
Assessment type: Stakeholder consultation even on food knowledge and food skills programming in Waterloo Region
Author(s): Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services
Year: 2019
Synopsis: On October 8, 2019, Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services hosted a half-day event in the Hauser House at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex. The purpose of the event was to share resources and provide information and evidence to help implement food knowledge and food skill programming and to encourage networking and collaboration among the many organizations in Waterloo Region that provide food knowledge and skills programming.
Waterloo Region Fresh-It Final Research Report 2019
Assessment type: Research report
Author(s): Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services
Year: 2019
Synopsis: From 2015 to 2018, ROWPHE participated as a lead in the Canada-wide FRESH-IT project. The purpose of the FRESH-IT project was to exchange information with decision makers about offering healthier food in retail settings. In Waterloo Region, food retail settings in municipally funded recreation centres were selected for the project. Additionally, the project aimed at identifying facilitators for making healthy changes to retail food settings. Stakeholders that participated in the project included: elected officials, municipal staff, food service operators and food distributors.
The cost of the Nutritious Food Basket in Waterloo
Assessment type: Survey of cost and affordability of healthy eating
Author: c
Year: 2019, not updated to reflect 2019 Canada’s food guide
Synopsis: The Nutritious Food Basket (NFB) estimates the price of eating healthily. In 2019, it costs a family of four living in Waterloo Region $875.92 per month, a 4.9% increase from the preceding survey in 2017. During this time, about 10% of households in Waterloo Region were food insecure. The report acknowledges financial constraints as a dominant driver in food insecurity and the resulting negative impact on physical and mental health. Finally, the NFB uses the data collected to inform policy and propose solutions to food insecurity, such as shifting from food-based aid to income support mechanisms and collaboration between the private and public sector to provide stable employment opportunities.
The cost of eating well in Waterloo Region
Assessment type: infographic of food insecurity in Waterloo Region
Author: Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services
Year: 2019
Synopsis: This report visually displays statistics of the cost of eating healthily in Waterloo Region in 2019. Results of this study reveal 10% of households struggle to put food on the table. In a vicious cycle, limited money reduces people’s food budget to pay for other expenses, like rent. This can lead to skipping meals or using charitable food programs. Ultimately, food insecurity puts people at risk of diet-related diseases and poor mental health, limiting their productivity and performance. The infographic provides monthly costs for individuals living in different scenarios. While emergency food services address immediate hunger, they do not address poverty as the root cause of food insecurity. See the recommendations provided to personally make a difference.
These are more than just statistics, but represent those struggling whose stories and voices should be heard. Share Your Story with us.
A healthy communities resources manual for municipalities
Assessment type: Community resource manual
Author: Lanark, L. & G.
Year: 2017
Synopsis: A list of helpful resources on topics such as: programming and facilities, built environment, outdoor and natural environment, accessibility, healthy eating, municipal food policies and community food partnerships.
Gardens for healthy schools: A scan of school gardens in Waterloo Region
Assessment type: Literature summary and scan results of school gardens in Waterloo Region
Author: Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services
Year: 2016
Synopsis: This report presents a summary of the key literature on school gardens, and of the results of a scan of school gardens in the Region of Waterloo. The Community Garden Council of Waterloo Region (CCG) is a grassroots association established to support the Waterloo Region Community Garden Network (WRCGN). They focus on youth engagement and education in sustainable food growth. Schools are increasingly being recognized as important health and wellbeing promotion sites as they link student cognitive, social, emotional, and physical wellbeing and academic success. Thus, school gardens have become a tool in building the “Foundation for a Healthy School.” The CCG commissioned a School Garden Scan to best understand how to promote school gardens, develop best practices, and propose recommendations. This involved a key literature and policy review, school board surveys and key stakeholder interviews. Results revealed the multi-actor benefits of school gardens where they are implemented, but also the challenges in initiating and maintaining school gardens due to time, funding, staff support, and school infrastructure barriers. Recommendations include increasing community partnerships and developing guidelines and resources for community gardens.
Food spaces, vibrant places
Assessment type: Presentation on policy advocacy campaign
Author: Xuereb, M.
Year: 2015
Synopsis: Presentation from Food Spaces, Vibrant Places, a policy advocacy campaign of the Waterloo Region Food System Roundtable. This presentation was part of the Community Models of Vibrant Farmers’ Markets webinar hosted by Sustain Ontario’s Food Access Peer Learning Circle on March 25th, 2015. Policy advocacy has the potential to create an environment that makes healthy choices easier to make. Food Spaces, Vibrant places addresses health food access by support temporary farmers’ markets and community gardens. To do this, they had to overcome zoning bylaw barriers and transit and walkability challenges to accessing these spaces. Thus, the campaign’s goals facilitate temporary farmers markets and community gardens by modifying zoning bylaws and supporting licensing bylaws and regulations to permit them, and incentivizing reduced or waived fees.
Marc Xuereb: influencing land use-policy
Assessment type: Presentation on Influencing Land Policy
Author: Xuereb, M.
Year: 2015
Synopsis: Marc Xuereb’s presentation Influencing Land Use Policy from June 9th Growing a Local Food Strategy. This presentation urges making food a planning issue to protect agricultural countryside and environmentally sensitive land from the spread of urban growth.
Food skills in Waterloo Region — changes over 6 years
Assessment type: Research report measuring food skills in adults in Waterloo Region from 2008-2014
Author: Region of Waterloo Public Health
Year: 2015
Synopsis: In 2008, the Region of Waterloo Public Health (ROWPH) developed research questions to obtain baseline information about the food skills of adults in Waterloo Region. Between 2008 and 2014, food skills in adults in Waterloo Region were measured to determine any change or evolution throughout the years. The results highlighted a higher percentage of people that are reporting that they have good* skills at preserving food. Additionally, cooking from scratch appears to be on the rise, especially among men, and occurs more frequently among those in mid-age (45-64) as opposed to those who are young (18-24). Roughly the same proportion of people say they recently ate something grown by someone in their household.
Child Health Report Series: Nutrition, physical activity and health outcomes — Technical data summary
Assessment type: Child Health Report
Author: Drew, S.
Year: 2015
Synopsis: Local public health units in Ontario are mandated to work on reducing the burden of preventable diseases of public health importance, including chronic disease. One way the Region of Waterloo Public Health (ROWPH) fulfills this mandate is through regular population health status assessment and surveillance. By measuring, monitoring, and reporting on the status of a population’s health, particularly for priority populations, public health programs and services can be tailored to meet local needs and then evaluated for their health impact. This technical data summary is one chapter in a series of brief health status reports that examine a specific sub-population of interest: children. The Nutrition, Physical Activity and Health Outcomes technical data summary provides information on indicators related to nutrition, physical activity and healthy weights among children and youth in Waterloo Region.
Urban gardening
Assessment type: A guide to urban gardening presented by the Region of Waterloo Public Health
Author: Region of Waterloo Public Health
Year: 2014
Synopsis: Urban gardening, both in community gardens and backyard plots, has seen a resurgence in popularity over the last two decades. Given that many urban centres were once the hub of industrial activity, it can be expected that soils have potentially been impacted by a variety of contaminants. This guide documents the number of measures that can be taken to minimize the risk from gardening in unknown or impacted soils, including preparing the garden area, using raised beds, preparing the soil, what to grow, getting ready to garden, and preparing the food to eat.
Local food access and active transportation: Policy opportunities for the Woolwich community
Assessment type: Presentation of a policy advocacy campaign
Author: Desjardins, E.
Year: 2014
Synopsis: The purpose of this project was to consult with key stakeholders and other residents in the Woolwich community, in order to document their input and to identify potential policy avenues that will (a) enhance access to locally produced and processed food throughout the Township, and (b) encourage the regular use of active modes of transportation (walking and cycling). In this report, individual quotes have been highlighted throughout the comments summary section to illustrate specific issues through the voices of several key stakeholders. Analysis of the comments yielded four key action themes, each of which is paired with a set of community-based goals and tasks to enhance access to local food and active transportation in Woolwich Township. Relevant background information from ten reports and policy documents is provided at the end, followed by concluding notes.
Planning for food-friendly municipalities in Waterloo Region
Assessment type: Recommendations for supporting local food environments
Author: Long, K.
Year: 2013
Synopsis: This report provides advice on how the public can advocate for more supportive environments for community gardens and temporary farmers’ markets. This includes insight on zoning bylaws, supportive licensing by laws, incentives, and other policies relating to local food initiatives and urban agriculture.
The health of Waterloo Region’s food system: An update
Assessment type: Summary of Waterloo Region’s healthy food system progress
Author: Region of Waterloo Public Health
Year: 2013
Synopsis: This report provides a summary of progress towards a healthy food system in Waterloo Region since the publication of Towards a Healthy Food System for Waterloo Region in 2005. It is organized by the six priorities for improving the health of Waterloo Region’s food system as identified by the Waterloo Region Food System Roundtable. It provides samples of research, projects and organizations that are actively pursuing their priorities.
Waterloo Region’s food system: A snapshot
Assessment type: Summary of 6 priorities identified by Waterloo’s Roundtable
Author: Food System Roundtable of Waterloo Region.
Year: 2013
Synopsis: This report provides a summary of Waterloo Roundtable’s 6 identified priorities for Waterloo Region’s Food System including: local food infrastructure, food sovereignty, food policy, urban agriculture, farm viability, access to healthy food.
Supporting advocacy on municipal official plans
Assessment type: Guide for developing policy advocacy work
Author: Long, K.
Year: 2012
Synopsis: This report is intended to guide the development of policy advocacy work with respect to official planning documents. It is based on a community consultation, the Partnership listed as its priority areas healthy eating, physical activity, and mental health. Types of policy suggestions include: urban agriculture, walkable access to healthy food, pedestrian linkages, active transportation, walkability, sustainable food system, community connectivity.
Waterloo Region neighborhood market initiative
Assessment type: Outlines initiative’s resources, structure, challenges and goals
Author: SEontario
Year: Began 2011
Synopsis: The Waterloo Region Neighbourhood Market Initiative operates two farmers’ markets in Kitchener and Cambridge in order to provide local people in the Kitchener-Cambridge communities, and the surrounding area, with fresh local vegetables and fruits throughout the summer and fall months. The market provides beneficial outcomes such as health, economic and community improvements. The report outlines the physical, human and financial resources, structure and development, community and social resources, funding, challenges, and future aspirations associated with the initiative.
Rethinking health eating in the workplace: A toolkit for employers
Assessment type: An employer’s toolkit to improve healthy eating in the workplace
Author: Curitti, E.
Year: 2011
Synopsis: Less than 1% of Canadians follow a diet consistent with Canada’s Food Guide. Several of the chronic diseases in Waterloo are related to an improper diet which is linked to an increased personal financial burden. Employee and employer information on the benefits, challenges, and strategies to promote and organize healthy diets in the workplace.
Sources of emergency and low cost food
Assessment type: Lists emergency and low cost food resources in Waterloo Region
Author: Region of Waterloo Public Health
Year: 2011
Synopsis: List of emergency and low cost food for Waterloo Region with the product, location and contact information included. This list is not complete. It does not list every program or retailer in the Waterloo Region. It is meant to be a useful guide for people in immediate need of food. Resources in the last section may help prevent food emergencies. Please call the hamper or meal program first as the information, including hours of operation and services offered, is subject to change. Most churches provide food hampers for their geographical area only. Religious affiliation is not a requirement.
Planning for a healthy food system: Collaboration between public health and planning in the Region of Waterloo
Assessment type: Lists emergency and low cost food resources in Waterloo Region
Author: Xuereb, M., & Lubczynski, J.
Year: 2008
Synopsis: The Regional Growth Management Strategy (RGMS) adopted in 2003 identifies where, when, and how future growth and how future growth will occur will occur and guides many other regional activities. This will employ a holistic approach to planning over the next 40 years. This strategy is structured around the six following goals: enhancing our natural environment, building vibrant urban places, providing greater transportation choice, protecting our countryside, fostering a strong economy, and ensuring overall coordination and communication.
Toward a Healthy Community Food System for Waterloo Region
Assessment type: Review and recommendations for Waterloo Region’s food system
Author: Xuereb, M., & Desjardins, E.
Year: 2005
Synopsis: Goal to create a system in which all residents have access to, and can afford to buy, safe, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food that has been produced in an environmentally sustainable way and that supports our rural communities. A region with a diverse agricultural economy, linked with local food needs and markets, will be more sustainable in the long term, with lower environmental costs, reduced demands on transportation infrastructure, and potentially higher food quality that helps serve nutritional objectives.
Region of Waterloo food flood analysis study
Assessment type: Study of local food system
Author: Region of Waterloo Public Health
Year: 2005
Synopsis: This Interim Report Study addresses the question: What percentage of food that is consumed in the Region of Waterloo has been grown, raised, and/or processed in the Region? The Region completed several studies to gain a better understanding of the local food system, which included assessments of the agricultural economy, access to food, rural health, and consumer attitudes in relation to buying locally grown and processed food. The plan consisted of 5 overlapping studies including: Food Flow Study; Optimal Nutrition Environment Scenario (ONE); Food Miles Study; The Marketing of Buy Local! Buy Fresh!; Redundant Trade Study (RT).
Urban Agriculture Report
Assessment type: Region of Waterloo Public Health report
Author: Mazereeuw, B.
Year: 2005
Synopsis: Urban agriculture will likely increase in need due to population growth and urban density. Report highlighting the benefits of community gardens, rooftop gardens (and greenroofs), and private (ie. backyard gardens) in Waterloo Region. Potential benefits for: sustainability, viability, livability, community, equity, and prosperity.