Chronic Disease Innovation Fund Encourages Healthy Eating in Cape Breton

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Cape Bretoners will get some help eating better through new provincial funding for two projects that increase access to local, healthy food.

New Dawn Meals on Wheels received $11,727 from the Chronic Disease Innovation Fund for its Cape Breton Community Food Hive Project. The Pan-Cape Breton Food Hub Co-op will receive $9,454 for its Farm Fresh Food 4 Fall program.

“A healthy diet, combined with physical activity, can help reduce the risk of chronic disease,” said Sydney-Whitney Pier MLA Derek Mombourquette, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. “These programs will help Cape Bretoners improve their health.”

The Chronic Disease Innovation Fund supports projects that can help improve the health of Nova Scotians living with a chronic disease or who are at risk of developing one.

“It’s important that we increase access to healthy eating information for the people who need it most,” said Claire Turpin of New Dawn Meals on Wheels. “This grant will help lay the foundation for more programs that encourage a balanced lifestyle.”

The Pan-Cape Breton Food Hub has partnered with the Glace Bay Food Bank, Community Cares Youth Outreach and the Ecology Action Centre for its Farm Fresh Food 4 Fall program.

“There is a lot of great work happening across our region to support healthy eating and physical activity and we’re thrilled to be a part of that,” said Alicia Lake, co-ordinator, Pan-Cape Breton Food Hub. “This funding will allow us to provide low-income families with fresh, healthy food at a very low cost each week this fall and offer workshops to increase their food skills.”

The Chronic Disease Innovation Fund will invest about $300,000 in 18 projects across the province. Community groups, in partnership with community health boards, applied for funding for projects that will help people stop smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, get active, and eat better.

“Many people in Cape Breton want to lead healthier lives, but are unsure of how to do so. With the assistance of these grants, they’ll have the resources and support they need to create and ensure a healthier, vibrant future for their communities,” said Aron Ashton, strategic partnership engagement consultant, Nova Scotia Health Authority.

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Source: Release