Addressing Chronic Diseases: The Regina Food Bank

An overriding concern of governments and health care organizations today is addressing the sizable and growing burden of chronic diseases among Canadians. Organizations that are not traditionally viewed as a central part of the solution to chronic disease prevention and management are worthy of more attention.

The Regina Food Bank is a case in point. It helps Canadians, particularly those with low income, access healthy food. But many people who use food banks live with chronic health issues, or are at risk for developing chronic diseases. The improvement of food security is considered a primary prevention strategy to address chronic diseases. This profile, The Regina Food Bank, spotlights the efforts of this one agency as it seeks to bring about positive change in addressing chronic disease among its clientele—thus providing a unique and important example of targeting health and chronic disease in a disadvantaged population.