Moving Upstream - Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

Health Goals
3. Health Equity
Population Health Outcomes
To promote health equity among residents, the Health Unit will focus on the
following population outcomes:
1. Residents have food security.
Food security exists when people “can get enough food to eat that is safe, that
they like to eat, and that helps them to be healthy. They must be able to get this
food in ways that make them feel good about themselves and their families.” (18)
The Health Unit will focus on the following program strategies to improve food
security:
Provide information to residents in collaboration with partners using a
variety of sources including webpage, newsletters, regular media, social
media, and presentations.
Conduct annual Nutritious Food Basket Survey to determine local food
affordability and share results.
Advocate and raise awareness for issues around food security and poverty.
Work with partners to find solutions around food security and poverty
locally.
Work with partners to develop food charters for Leeds, Grenville and
Lanark.
2. Residents have strong social connectedness.
Social connectedness refers to the relationships people have with others and
the benefits these relationships can bring to the individual as well as to society.
It includes relationships with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours, as
well as connections people make through paid work, sport and other leisure
activities, or through voluntary work or community service. These relationships
help people to feel they belong and have a part to play in society. People
who feel socially connected also contribute towards building communities
and society. They help to create what is sometimes called “social capital”, the
networks that help society to function effectively. People with more friends and
connections are generally happier, healthier and better off, and that happiness
spreads through social networks. Social connectedness is fostered when family
relationships are positive, and when people have the skills and opportunities to
make friends and to interact constructively with others.
Moving Upstream: 2013-2018 Strategic Plan
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
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