Welcome to the Final Lecture of the 2014-2015 Series

Introduction by Susan Tyrone

• Susan Tyrone, associate director of the college, welcomes attendees to the final lecture of the series.

• She expresses gratitude towards Deborah Ross for organizing the lecture series throughout the year.

• The evening's event is a two-part lecture featuring a discussant, introduced by Lois Jackson.

Overview of Atlantic Health Promotion Research Center

Introduction by Lois Jackson

• Lois Jackson thanks both the College of Sustainability and Atlantic Health Promotion Research Center for co-hosting.

• She introduces Maureen Summers, managing director at A-HPRC, acknowledging her contributions over the past year.

Purpose and Goals of A-HPRC

• The Atlantic Health Promotion Research Center (A-HPRC), established in 1993, focuses on research training and knowledge dissemination.

• Its mission is to promote health and reduce health inequities across different populations and communities.

Research Focus Areas

Collaborative Multidisciplinary Approach

• Currently supports 18 researchers working with diverse communities including Aboriginal groups, youth, and marginalized populations.

• Researchers engage in collaborative work with government agencies, NGOs, affected community members, and healthcare professionals.

Key Areas of Research Impact

• Efforts include increasing social support systems in underserved areas and improving access to oral health services in Labrador.

• Other initiatives focus on promoting safer neighborhoods and enhancing access to nutritious food and appropriate housing.

Panel Discussion Introduction

Moderator: Daniel Ham

• Daniel Ham is introduced as the moderator for tonight’s panel discussion; he holds a PhD in Population Health from Ottawa University.

Background Information on Daniel Ham

• He serves as Elizabeth MA Chair in Sustainability and Environmental Health at Dalhousie University with multiple cross appointments related to environmental science.

Discussion Theme: Health & Sustainability

• Daniel opens up discussions about the relationship between health and sustainability. He encourages audience participation regarding this connection.

What is Environmental Sustainability?

Understanding Health and Wellbeing

• The Gaia hypothesis, proposed by James Lovelock, suggests that the planet functions as a living organism, prompting discussions on environmental sustainability.

• Traditional definitions of health have evolved from merely the absence of disease to encompass overall wellbeing, including social, physical, and mental aspects.

• Questions arise about individual definitions of sustainability: Is it viewed socially or physically? Does it focus on resources or relationships?

Human Development and Resources

• Sustainability is framed as a human development question; humans require essential resources like air, water, and food for survival.

• Beyond mere survival, flourishing is emphasized as an important aspect of sustainability—what does it mean to thrive?

Resource Utilization in Society

• The ideal approach to sustainability involves using minimal resources while maximizing human development potential.

• Resources are not only vital for survival but also for creating environments such as housing and infrastructure.

Social Dimensions of Sustainability

• Much of human existence operates within social realms—economic systems facilitate resource trading and healthcare access.

• Health serves as a foundation for pursuing greater life goals such as happiness or fulfillment across various cultures.

Inequalities in Health Access

• There are significant disparities in health outcomes globally; for instance, life expectancy varies drastically between countries like Chad and Monaco.

• Within industrialized nations like Canada and the U.S., health inequalities persist based on race and socioeconomic status.

Addressing Health Inequities

• To tackle these disparities, it's crucial to examine conditions fostering health within societies.

• Life expectancy differences highlight systemic issues that need addressing both globally and locally.

Introduction to Experts in Social Sustainability

• The speaker introduces Dr. Jeff Carow and Dr. Sarah Kirk who work in social sustainability and health fields at Dalhousie University.

Introduction to the Presenters

Overview of Jeff's Work

• Jeff has authored two books on homelessness and youth culture, including Being Homeless, Young and Homeless and Leaving the Streets: Stories of Canadian Youth. He has also produced a documentary about street youth in Guatemala City.

• He is a founding member of Halifax's Out of the Cold emergency shelter and serves as co-director at Dalhousie School of Social Work Community Clinic.

Overview of Sarah's Work

• Sarah is a Canada Research Chair in Health Services Research and a professor at Dalhousie University, focusing on health promotion within the Faculty of Health Professions.

• She holds cross appointments with IWK Health Center, Mount St. Vincent University, and the University of Alberta. Her research emphasizes creating supportive environments for chronic disease prevention.

Presentation Structure

Format of the Event

• The event will feature two presentations: first by Jeff followed by Sarah, concluding with a discussion session for audience questions.

Jeff's Presentation on Youth Experiences

Reflections on Street Youth

• Jeff aims to share insights from his 25 years working with young people experiencing homelessness, focusing on their perspectives and experiences.

• His presentation will utilize the words and art created by these young individuals to illustrate their realities while living on the streets.

Resilience Amidst Challenges

• Despite facing toxic environments, young people demonstrate resilience, hope, and dreams as they navigate their circumstances.

Knowledge Mobilization Project

• The project examines success stories from youth who have exited homelessness. It highlights gaps in understanding what happens after they find stable housing.

Challenges Faced by Street Youth

Fragility in Stability

• Exiting street life is portrayed as fragile; building stability is challenging for these youths who often feel there’s still much work ahead.

Cultural Understanding Needed

• There’s an urgent need for cultural awareness regarding their experiences to foster more compassionate approaches towards this population.

Structural Inequalities Impacting Youth

Interrelated Injustices

• Young people living on the streets are affected by various injustices that operate at individual (micro), community (meso), or societal (macro) levels.

Family Dynamics & Systemic Issues

• Many street youth come from troubled family backgrounds or have faced challenges within child welfare systems. Employment opportunities and educational structures often fail them.

Housing Instability

• The precarious nature of housing options complicates efforts to provide stability for youths transitioning out of homelessness during their emerging adulthood phase.

Diversity Among Street Youth

Complexity Within Subculture

• The population is diverse across various dimensions such as ethnicity, race, background, codes, and rituals they adhere to—this diversity should be acknowledged and celebrated.

Stages of Transition

• Entering or exiting street life involves complex processes that cannot be oversimplified; it requires nuanced understanding due to its messy nature.

Understanding Youth Homelessness and Trauma

The Complexity of Youth Experiences

• The issue of youth homelessness is complex and iterative, involving significant back-and-forth due to the messiness of human experiences.

• Young people on the streets, typically aged 15 to 25, are similar to adolescents in mainstream culture; they are dreamers, resilient, and curious about life.

• A critical distinction is that these youths carry deep layers of untreated trauma, making them fragile and often feeling alone.

Factors Contributing to Youth Homelessness

• Many young people come from dysfunctional family backgrounds characterized by poverty and abuse; emotional, physical, or sexual abuse is common.

• Approximately 50% of homeless youth have been involved with child welfare systems—either having graduated or escaped from them.

• There are two main arguments regarding their relationship with child welfare: difficulties entering the system post-trauma and systemic failures in understanding their needs.

Misconceptions About Street Life

• Research indicates that young people do not run towards street life as a form of freedom but rather flee from unhealthy home situations.

• Data collected from over a thousand youths across Canada reveals that this population rarely experiences stability or comfort in their lives.

The Reality of Living on the Streets

• Many young individuals have been "homeless" long before hitting the streets; they often perceive street life as a better option when escaping troubled family dynamics or neglectful child welfare systems.

• However, once on the streets, they quickly realize it can be dangerous and exhausting—requiring constant effort for survival.

Health Perspectives on Homelessness

• Research conducted in Halifax highlights that being homeless encompasses more than just physical illness; it involves a lack of control over one's health situation.

• Young people report higher rates of chronic illnesses like asthma and bronchitis while also expressing feelings of instability and lack of agency.

Understanding Homeless Youth and Community Support

Lack of Control in Daily Life

• Young people experiencing homelessness often lack control over basic aspects of life, such as when to shower or what to eat. This reflects a broader issue of inequitable access to essential resources like housing, clothing, and food.

Perceptions of Isolation and Non-Belonging

• A young participant from a film camp illustrates feelings of gloom and isolation associated with being on the streets, highlighting a pervasive sense of non-belonging among homeless youth.

• The perception of non-citizenship is prevalent; many feel that society exhibits apathy or even distaste towards them, reinforcing their feelings of exclusion from everyday culture.

Community Bonds vs. Exploitation

• Despite the challenges, bonds within the street community can provide collective support for young people. However, this environment can also be highly exploitative.

• Organizations working with homeless youth—whether small NGOs or larger systems—often serve as crucial support networks that help these individuals exit homelessness and find surrogate family structures.

The Role of Shelters in Providing Hope

• Shelters are seen by some youths as places where they can temporarily feel safe and supported. They represent a "culture of hope" where individuals can begin to rebuild their lives.

• Some shelters foster critical consciousness by helping young people understand their circumstances in relation to larger societal structures, promoting personal growth and awareness.

Critiques of Service Provision

• Young people's critiques reveal that some services may be unwelcoming or too demanding; they often feel rushed into finding employment or housing without adequate support tailored to their needs.

• Conversely, some organizations treat these youths too paternalistically, failing to recognize their experiences and maturity which leads to infantilization rather than empowerment.

Understanding Unique Needs

• Many homeless youth have pets for companionship and protection; however, most organizations do not allow animals in shelters, indicating a lack of understanding regarding the needs and realities faced by this population.

Economic Implications of Homelessness

• Addressing homelessness incurs significant costs across various sectors (social services, health care), emphasizing the need for more effective solutions beyond emergency responses.

• Current approaches often focus on immediate crisis management rather than long-term solutions that could alleviate structural issues contributing to homelessness.

Housing First Approach

• The "Housing First" model is gaining traction as it emphasizes providing stable housing without preconditions. It aims at preventing homelessness through quick rehousing strategies based on research findings from Canada and the U.S.

• While much research has focused on adults under this model, there is potential for adapting its principles specifically for youth populations facing homelessness.

Principles for Sustainable Solutions

• Future strategies should prioritize recovery-oriented approaches that affirm housing as a basic right while ensuring rapid access to stable living conditions for vulnerable populations like youth.

• Effective interventions must include comprehensive wraparound services that address both immediate needs and long-term stability for those exiting homelessness.

Understanding Youth Homelessness and Housing Solutions

The Importance of Individualized Support

• Emphasizes the need for diverse options tailored to individual needs, particularly focusing on youth psychology during development.

• Highlights a harm reduction model that aims to minimize risks without requiring individuals to abandon their survival strategies from street life.

Housing First Approach for Young People

• Discusses various housing solutions such as returning home, supportive housing, and transitional living, emphasizing safety and support.

• Notes that many young people may be experiencing independent living for the first time, necessitating extensive support in basic life skills like cooking and shopping.

Celebrating Resilience and Positive Development

• Stresses the importance of recognizing positive youth development by celebrating resilience and courage rather than focusing solely on deficits.

Recommendations for Structural Change

• Calls for a shift in focus from expanding emergency services to developing long-term structural solutions like housing-first models.

• Advocates for increased advocacy and coalition-building to address myths surrounding youth homelessness while promoting compassionate approaches.

Insights from International Experience

• Shares a poignant observation from a Guatemalan child regarding homelessness in Canada, highlighting the availability of resources to combat this issue.

Food Security and Community Health

Engaging Participants in Discussion

• Introduces the topic of food security while encouraging audience participation through physical movement due to prolonged sitting.

Assessing Hunger Levels Among Participants

• Initiates an interactive session by asking participants about their hunger levels, fostering engagement within the audience.

Exploring Food Choices

• Questions participants about their recent food choices, including dietary preferences (e.g., vegetarian options).

• Inquires whether participants consumed any out-of-date food items due to financial constraints or personal choice.

Food Security Research in Nova Scotia

Introduction to Food Security

• The speaker introduces the topic of food security, emphasizing its relevance to a significant number of people in Nova Scotia and Canada.

• The discussion will highlight the implications of food security on health, aligning with the theme of healthy, sustainable communities.

Visual Representation of Food Environments

• The speaker showcases artwork by Carl Warner, which creatively represents food environments using various food items.

• These visuals are used to illustrate the choices individuals make regarding food and their surrounding environments.

Social Ecological Model

• The speaker references Bronfenbrenner's social ecological model as a framework for understanding influences on individual behavior related to health and food choices.

• Emphasis is placed on considering multiple layers that affect individual actions, such as community influence and societal rules (e.g., sell-by dates).

Complexity of Individual Behavior

• Acknowledges that individual behaviors are shaped by complex circumstances, including environmental factors and personal situations.

• Defines food security as access to sufficient, reliable, safe, culturally appropriate, socially just, and environmentally sound food.

Assessing Food Security

• Engages the audience in self-assessment regarding their own food security based on the provided definition.

• Discusses factors influencing food security: access and supply. Highlights agricultural systems' role in determining availability and quality of food products.

Understanding Food Insecurity in Canada

Key Factors Influencing Food Security

• The discussion highlights the importance of resources and capacity to acquire food, emphasizing financial resources as a significant factor in food insecurity.

• Transportation is identified as a critical barrier; individuals must be able to access locations where food can be purchased or obtained.

• Knowledge and skills related to food preparation are essential; even affordable items like rolled oats require additional resources (milk, cooking equipment).

• Social support plays a role in food security; emotional factors can affect one's motivation to prepare meals, especially when eating alone.

Insights from Research on Food Insecurity

• Reference is made to Olivier De Schutter, a UN rapporteur who reported on Canada's food insecurity issues in 2012, highlighting systemic problems.

• A scathing report indicated that many Canadians struggle with accessing adequate nutrition despite living in a wealthy country.

• The immigration minister's comments reflect a disconnect between addressing local food insecurity versus focusing solely on international aid.

Current State of Food Insecurity

• The speaker poses a thought-provoking question about the acceptability of over 900,000 Canadians visiting food banks monthly amidst national wealth.

• New statistics suggest rising levels of food insecurity globally, including countries like the UK where food banks were previously uncommon.

Regional Disparities in Canada

• There are significant regional differences in food insecurity rates across Canada; some provinces experience higher rates than others.

• Audience engagement reveals diverse geographic representation among attendees, prompting reflection on local conditions regarding food access.

Statistics and Studies on Student Food Insecurity

• Discussion transitions to research focused on student populations and their experiences with food insecurity through the Children's Lifestyle and School Performance Study.

• Nationally, approximately 7.7% of Canadians face food insecurity; however, this figure varies significantly by province.

This structured overview captures key discussions around the complexities of food insecurity within Canada while providing timestamps for easy reference back to specific points made during the talk.

Study on Food Insecurity in Nova Scotia

Overview of the Study

• The study involved two rounds of data collection in 2003 and 2011 across schools in Nova Scotia, focusing on students' food security status.

• The research primarily targeted grade five students (around age 10), assessing their transition into post-secondary education or the workforce by 2011.

Research Hypothesis and Focus

• The main hypothesis explored the impact of food insecurity on health and academic performance, questioning whether healthier individuals perform better academically.

• Different levels of food security were categorized: high, marginal, moderate, and severe. The hypothesis suggested that moderate to severe food insecurity correlates with increased health issues.

Findings on Health Issues Related to Food Insecurity

• A counterintuitive relationship was noted where individuals with excess body weight could still experience food insecurity, challenging common myths about diet and weight.

• Data linked students' information with healthcare utilization, providing insights into how health outcomes evolve into adulthood.

Key Statistics from the Study

• Of nearly 5,800 surveyed students, 75% were food secure; however, 25% faced food insecurity—7% severely so—indicating significant access issues to nutritious foods.

• Food insecurity was more prevalent in rural areas due to limited access compared to urban centers like Halifax.

Impact of Food Insecurity on Quality of Life

• Higher degrees of food insecurity correlated with decreased quality of life and increased externalizing problems such as acting out or mood disorders among children.

• Hungry children exhibited poor concentration and lower diet quality; they struggled to meet fruit and vegetable intake recommendations.

Body Mass Index (BMI) Insights

• Students experiencing even marginal food insecurity had significantly higher BMI values than their peers who were not food insecure.

• The discussion raised questions about why those lacking healthy foods might have higher weights; it suggested unhealthy foods are often cheaper than healthy options.

Economic Factors Influencing Dietary Choices

• An example highlighted a price comparison between sugary drinks and milk at a local store, illustrating how financial constraints lead families to opt for cheaper but less nutritious options.

• This economic reality contributes to rising childhood obesity rates within low-income families facing food insecurity.

Food Insecurity and Rights in Canada

The Unacceptable Reality of Food Insecurity

• The speaker expresses outrage over the high number of food-insecure children in Canada, emphasizing the need to address poverty and income inequality as fundamental issues.

• They argue that access to food should be considered a right, akin to shelter, advocating for solutions framed within this perspective.

• The stigma surrounding school food programs is highlighted; universal access could reduce feelings of shame among those who rely on these services.

Data Insights on Minimum Wage and Food Affordability

• Discussion includes data from researcher Patty Williams, indicating that while increasing minimum wage has made healthy food more affordable, it remains insufficient for many families.

• Although improvements are noted for certain demographics (e.g., lone men), the overall situation still requires significant attention and action.

Community Engagement in Food Security Research

• A participatory action research project involving nearly 70 partners is mentioned, focusing on community-driven efforts towards achieving food security.

• The report produced from this project contains valuable insights from individuals experiencing food insecurity, emphasizing the importance of first-person narratives.

Advocating for Sustainable Food Systems

• The speaker calls for a focus on healthy and sustainable food systems, linking health outcomes with sustainability efforts.

• There’s an emphasis on creating conditions that support resilient local food systems while addressing environmental sustainability and reducing waste.

Innovative Approaches to Addressing Food Waste

• Mention of the Real Junk Food Project illustrates innovative strategies connecting surplus food with those in need through a "pay as you feel" model.

• This initiative aims to tackle both food waste and insecurity by redistributing excess food from restaurants and grocery stores effectively.

Acknowledgments in Research Contributions

• The speaker acknowledges funding sources for their research work and expresses gratitude towards collaborators who contributed significantly to their findings.

Discussion on Housing First and Food Access Issues

Introduction to the Discussion

• The speaker introduces a visual representation of food, specifically a sunset image of salmon, potatoes, and spinach, before transitioning into the discussion segment.

• Acknowledgment of time constraints for questions and discussions; invites audience participation.

Questions on Housing First Initiatives

• An audience member inquires about the locations of housing projects aimed at youth experiencing homelessness and their relation to food insecurity.

• The speaker confirms that there are currently no dedicated Housing First sites for youth in Canada but mentions close examples that embody similar principles.

Principles of Housing First

• Emphasizes that Housing First should provide choices tailored to individual needs—options include living alone or in supportive environments.

• Highlights the importance of placing these housing projects in sustainable communities rather than areas with food insecurity.

Current Challenges in Canada

• Discusses existing challenges where many housing projects are located in economically unstable neighborhoods, leading to unhealthy living conditions.

• Notes ongoing federal support for improving these situations through better funding and resources.

Personal Motivation Behind Research

• The speaker shares personal experiences from working with street youth in India 25 years ago, which ignited their passion for addressing homelessness issues upon returning to Canada.

Food Access Concerns

• A question is posed regarding perceptions of food access problems in Canada, referencing comments made by Margaret Ente about reliance on large grocery chains like Loblaws.

• The discussion shifts towards agricultural policies in Nova Scotia and whether improvements can be expected regarding local food distribution accessibility.

Recommendations for Improvement

• The speaker acknowledges that farmer's markets often cater to wealthier demographics and suggests a need for more accessible models for local food distribution.

• Mentions recommendations from the "Making Food Matter" report aimed at adjusting regulations so small producers can compete effectively without being burdened by large-scale distributor requirements.

Advocating for Change in Food Security and Housing

The Need for Advocacy

• Emphasizes the importance of collective outrage to drive change in food security and sustainable farming practices.

• Acknowledges the existing movement in Nova Scotia focused on local food and sustainable agriculture, but stresses that more action is necessary.

Barriers to Progress

• Questions why there is a lack of progress in providing basic needs like food and shelter to youth, hinting at potential political or financial obstacles.

• Identifies multiple factors contributing to stagnation, including historical focus on emergency responses rather than long-term solutions.

Sustainable Solutions

• Highlights organizations like "Out of the Cold" that provide immediate support but notes the need for more humane, sustainable approaches to citizenship development.

• Discusses the shift towards recognizing cost-effective long-term solutions for housing and food security at federal levels.

Inertia in Addressing Social Issues

• Critiques food banks as temporary fixes established decades ago, with their usage increasing despite being inadequate solutions.

• Points out societal inertia regarding complex social issues; emphasizes that marginalized communities often lack a voice or representation.

Importance of Voice and Advocacy

• Argues that without advocacy for marginalized groups who are not politically active or wealthy, systemic changes will be difficult to achieve.

Incentivizing Healthy Food Choices

Challenges in Promoting Healthier Options

• Raises questions about how to incentivize low-income individuals to choose healthier foods over cheaper, less nutritious options.

Complexity of Food Subsidies

• Acknowledges the complexity surrounding subsidies for healthy foods; warns against oversimplifying these issues as they can lead to unintended consequences.

The Role of Subsidies

• Discusses how current subsidies (e.g., corn maize) can contribute to unhealthy food production rather than promoting healthful eating habits.

Understanding Food Choices

• Notes that perceptions of healthy versus unhealthy foods vary among individuals based on taste preferences and social contexts.

Returning to Simplicity

• Advocates for simpler dietary guidelines inspired by Michael Pollan's philosophy: eat whole foods, mostly plants. Encourages efforts toward reducing processed foods.

Understanding Homelessness: A Comparative Analysis of Canada and Australia

Observations on Homelessness in Toronto vs. Brisbane

• The speaker shares their experience moving from Brisbane to Toronto, noting a stark difference in the visibility of homeless individuals. In Toronto, they encounter numerous homeless people at various intersections, unlike in Brisbane where they saw very few during their four-year stay.

• This observation raises questions about the underlying reasons for the disparity in homelessness between these two economically similar countries. The speaker highlights that both nations share cultural similarities as well.

Inquiry into Research and Studies

• The speaker asks if there are any studies comparing the number of homeless individuals in Canada and Australia, particularly regarding food insecurity as mentioned by another participant named Sarah. They seek to understand the reasons behind these differences.

Housing First Model in Australia

• A key insight is provided regarding Australia's proactive approach to homelessness through the "Housing First" model implemented over a decade ago, which focuses on providing stable housing first before addressing other issues like mental health or substance abuse. This model has reportedly been effective in reducing homelessness rates significantly compared to Canada’s current situation.

• The speaker notes that while Canada is attempting to replicate this model, it is still lagging behind Australia, which serves as a case study for effective strategies against homelessness. They mention that young people are being housed directly from emergency shelters into supportive housing structures in Australia.

Economic Factors Affecting Homelessness

• Discussion shifts towards economic conditions affecting homelessness rates; it is noted that Canada's economic structure has faced challenges over recent decades leading to increased street homelessness and suffering among populations reliant on NGOs for support.

• There is an implication that government support for NGOs has diminished significantly in Canada compared to Australia, where governmental assistance remains more robust, contributing further to the differences observed between the two countries' approaches to tackling homelessness issues.

Challenges Faced by NGOs

• The speaker expresses concern about the sustainability of NGO organizations within Canada due to reduced government support, highlighting uncertainty about their ability to survive financially over time amidst increasing demand for services from vulnerable populations.