Advancing Food Insecurity Research in Canada

It has been 35 years since the first food bank opened in Canada, 22 years since questions about household food insecurity first appeared on national surveys, and 10 years since we began systematically monitoring this problem in Canada. Over this period, research has been conducted to describe the extent of the problem, who is affected, health and other consequences, and the lived experience of food insecurity. There have also been critical examinations of current responses and policy directions.

This conference will provide an opportunity to share new and emerging research in food insecurity. Conference attendees can expect to learn what is known about the relationship between food insecurity and health, how food insecurity interfaces with social vulnerability, and what the broader social and economic implications of this problem are. The conference will facilitate discussion about the impact of existing policy interventions and the potential for new policy ideas like a basic income to tackle food insecurity. Attendees will gain an understanding of how the problem of food insecurity has been framed and how this has led to food-based rather than income-based responses in Canada. The conference will also provide a forum for food insecurity research from other high-income countries such as the US and the UK, facilitating cross-fertilization of ideas. Additionally, the conference will be a place to discuss how food insecurity research has been (and can be) used to inform the work of civil society organizations and health practitioners.

At Advancing Food Insecurity Research in Canada 2016, we will take stock of current knowledge gaps so that we can forge an agenda for future research that will lead to more effective responses to food insecurity in Canada.

For more information, visit http://proof.utoronto.ca/conference/

Date

November 17-18, 2016

Location

Hart House
University of Toronto St.George Campus
7 Hart House Circle
Toronto, ON M5S 3H3

Call for Abstracts

[PDF copy of the Call for Abstracts]

The conference program will include a mix of panel discussions as well as presentations on current research. Trainees and scholars are invited to submit abstracts for oral or poster presentations on topics related to understanding the causes and consequences of and responses to food insecurity in Canada, and the translation of food insecurity research into policy and practice. All relevant abstracts are welcome and will be considered. Please note that all presenting authors must register for the conference.

Oral presentations: Presentations will be grouped with similarly themed topics. Presenters will have 10-15 minutes to present their work. Each session will also include time for questions. Abstract submissions for oral presentations that are not selected may be given the option of presenting posters.

Poster presentations: There will be a scheduled poster session where authors will be invited to showcase their work and answer questions.

Abstract deadline: July 15, 2016
Notification of acceptances: by August 5, 2016

Submit an abstract at http://proof.utoronto.ca/conference/abstracts/

Conference Program

Preliminary information about the conference program will be available in June 2016, with a preliminary conference program available in early August. The conference includes two full days of plenary and panel discussions. There will be a poster session as well. In addition to presenting delegates, there will be a number of invited guests who will be presenting at the plenaries.

Who should attend

The conference is open to anyone who would like to attend, whether or not the delegate intends to present a paper. Policy makers, researchers, graduate students, health professionals, and people working with people living in food insecure households are especially welcome.

Registration

Registration will open September 1, 2016. The fee for regular registration is $250; $75 for enrolled students and for unwaged registrants. All presenting authors must register for the conference. The conference program will run from 8:30 am-5:30 pm each day. Limited funds will be available for travel support for those who require assistance. If you have any questions, please email proof@utoronto.ca.

Advancing Food Insecurity Research in Canada 2016 is hosted by PROOF, a CIHR-funded, interdisciplinary research program working to identify effective policy interventions to reduce household food insecurity in Canada.