Ontario Food and Nutrition Strategy: A Plan for Healthy Food and Food Systems

The Ontario Food and Nutrition Strategy (OFNS) arose from a need identified by the Ontario Collaborative Group on Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (OCGHEPA) for a comprehensive approach to promoting health and wellness of Ontarians. Created by the OFNS Design Team with guidance from an advisory group of stakeholders, it addresses nutrition and access to healthy food as risk factors in the health, economic and social burden of chronic disease in Ontario.

It also considers farmers and food systems workers who are not able to make an adequate income. A comprehensive food and nutrition strategy is needed to address these challenges and to develop healthy, diverse and resilient food systems in Ontario that will contribute to an equitable and prosperous economy.

The OFNS provides the framework to improve the wholistic health and well-being of people in Ontario, reduce the financial burden of chronic disease, and strengthen the economic viability and resiliency of Ontario’s food systems. The OFNS is intended to work across government sectors and foster a coordinated, multi-agency apprach to food policy and program development. Nutrition Connections was a collaborator in this project.