Food as Harm Reduction
Somerset West Community Health Centre runs many community based programs, including harm reduction programs. By default we have branched into food programming because most of our clients struggle to get enough to eat.
People who use drugs are disproportionately affected by food insecurity. In harm reduction we work with people who are street involved, sleeping rough or have inadequate access to food and places to cook and prepare food. We see increased negative consequences of food insecurity and hunger when people who use drugs experience things like homelessness, mental health issues, and physical illness. Some aspects we can physically see such as weight loss. Other consequences such as reduced ability to fight off infections and illness, or the social impacts of missing company while eating or eating a meal that reminds you of home, are less visible but deeply impactful.
A Neighbour enjoying a hot lunch at Somerset West CHC
Cooking for a Cause Ottawa (CFACO), spearheaded by the Ottawa Community Food Partnership, has brought together local food businesses and social service agencies to meet the growing need for food. Each week Somerset West Community Health Centre receives 650 meals from three local food businesses through the CFAC program. These food businesses, through their commitment to feeding their neighbours, are partners in the work to make our communities healthier.
When people can count on and access nutritionally dense, hearty food at the same place at the same time we are able to combat the social, physical, psychological and soul impacts of not having enough to eat and not having a place to eat with the community.
“The power of food goes beyond fuelling bodies.”
The food through the CFAC program has facilitated wellness checks, strengthened relationships with clients and has been the launch point for us to welcome clients to our centre and to access our services. Food is a vehicle for us to express our care and consideration for one another and to stay connected. Food is a way for us to build trust. Food is harm reduction.
Volunteers and employees at Somerset West CHC harm reduction site
A huge thank you goes out to the Ottawa Community Foundation, Ottawa Community Food Partnership, Parkdale Food Centre, Urban Element, Double Happiness BBQ, Kowloon and our wonderful volunteers who pick up and deliver food to 55 Eccles everyday.
Thank you,
Callie Lathem
Team Lead
Harm Reduction Department Operations/ Community Health Promoter at SWCHC
