It isn’t news that food prices in Canada have gone up – when comparing this year to last year, grocery store food prices have increased by 10.6%, with fresh vegetables having the highest increase (13.4%). Even before 2023’s skyrocketing food costs, households with restricted budgets were already having to make difficult choices of what food they could (and could not) purchase each month. With less money to spend on essentials, shoppers are left with limited options: processed and low-nutrient foods are cheaper than fresh, culturally-appropriate, and nutritious foods.

Affordable produce markets are a community-based approach to improve access to fresh and nutritious produce. Because they are often grassroots initiatives and resident-led, affordable produce markets tend to pop-up in neighbourhoods where the need is particularly high. The idea is to offer a variety of fresh produce that reflects the community, at a low cost (lower than most retailers), with only enough profit to sustain the market. These kinds of markets serve many purposes: to make fresh, nutritious produce and food accessible at a lower cost; to provide dignified access to high-quality healthy food; to improve physical and emotional well-being; and to create a safe and welcoming space for social connections.

This year there will be two outdoor affordable produce markets for SRCHC clients and community members:

Harmony Good Food Market, in partnership with FoodShare
2 Gower St.
June – end of October
Every Tuesday
3:00-5:00 pm

Outdoor Food Market, in partnership with Eastview Neighbourhood Community Centre
947 Queen E. (church courtyard next to South Riverdale CHC at 955 Queen St. E.)
May 2^nd – end of September
Every Tuesday
4:00 – 6:30 pm

 

Finding peer support can be very challenging for people experiencing stigma and marginalization. This is especially true for people experiencing challenges during pregnancy. There is so much cultural pressure for pregnancy to be a happy time that it can feel nearly impossible for people experiencing challenges like domestic abuse, instability related to migration, drug use, legal problems, social isolation or homelessness to find peer or even professional supports in the childbearing year. Organizations such as privately funded crisis pregnancy centres often try to fill the gaps, but may provide biased or inaccurate information, furthering the stigma.

Together with Toronto Public Health, the network of frontline providers known as Young People No Fixed Address wanted to find a way to highlight the data that had been collected related to homelessness during pregnancy in Toronto. We also wanted to document the bravery and perseverance of people who risk everything to try to keep themselves and their babies safe – this can often leave them in precarious situations in our city where housing, immigration, and policing systems can punish and even criminalize people who are fleeing violence. We knew that creating a resource that would direct them to publicly funded, evidence-based programs and services would help address the gaps for pregnant people experiencing homelessness.

In 2020, just as the pandemic was having a devastating impact on families dealing with homelessness in the perinatal period, the MATCH (Midwifery and Toronto Community Health) Program at South Riverdale Community Health Centre (SRCHC) was able to partner with researchers in the School of Nursing at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) who were studying homelessness and pregnancy. We combined quantitative data from Toronto Public Health with the qualitative data from the research conducted at TMU. Then SRCHC and TMU co-funded a partnership with the award-winning animation team at Electric Square to create a fictional composite hero myth that demonstrates the challenges, as well as the strength and bravery of pregnant people experiencing homelessness. The result is a short, animated, evidence-based film that will remain available online to serve as a peer to peer support. The goal is that people who google: “homeless, pregnant, Toronto” may discover through this film that they are not as alone as they thought, and that they deserve and can access high-quality, unbiased supports and services. This short film is an example of using art to transform scientific evidence into a knowledge translation tool that can have an emotional impact, both for people in positions of power (like policy makers) and for people with lived experience of homelessness in pregnancy.

 

WoodGreen Community Services in collaboration with the Ontario Health Team for East Toronto, East Toronto Health Partners (ETHP), released an educational video series to assist unpaid caregivers caring for older adults. The video series is focused on ensuring caregivers get the help they need for their care recipients and themselves. Recognizing how difficult it can be to know where to find support, the videos share information on how caregivers can navigate the complexities of Ontario’s healthcare system.

The series includes 20 videos that share resources available in East Toronto. These videos were created in collaboration with experienced caregivers to ensure that the resources are relevant and. Video topics include:

• Planning for and managing hospital stays
• PSW care at home services
• Housing and right place of care options
• Legal considerations
• Available community programs and supports

14 additional videos feature three local caregivers who share their unique personal experiences and advice about being an unpaid caregiver. The videos are currently only available in English. However, they will be translated into additional languages in the near future to increase access and reach of these important resources.

All of the videos can be found on WoodGreen’s website (woodgreen.org/caregivers) and their YouTube channel. ETHP and WoodGreen have also created a written Caregiver Navigation Guide, which includes the transcripts of the videos, links to any resources mentioned, as well as a glossary of terms to define technical words, terms and abbreviations that may require additional clarification.

Did you know that cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes cause about two-thirds of all deaths in Ontario? These are all chronic disease that can significantly impact a person’s health and wellbeing, as well as their day-to-day life.

Although chronic diseases are among the most common health problems in today’s society, some chronic diseases can be more easily prevented and are more easily managed. With the right treatment, support, and lifestyle, people diagnosed with a chronic disease can experience changes in their conditions, and improve their health and quality of life.  Major chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and arthritis, share common risk factors. Detecting chronic disease early, and intervening quickly to prevent its progress has the potential to reduce deaths. Physical activity, healthy diet, maintaining good blood pressure and managing stress can reduce the risk or help manage chronic diseases.

We at South Riverdale Community Health Centre (SRCHC) offer Chronic Disease Self-Management Education workshops with our Choose Health Self-Management Program. This evidence-based program helps individuals manage their chronic conditions, improve their quality of life, and lower health risks. The program is facilitated by trained volunteers who are also living with long-term health conditions. Participants meet once a week for 2.5 hours over 6 weeks to learn skills to manage their conditions on day to day basis by setting manageable goals, learning problem-solving skills, starting and maintaining physical activity, managing stress, as well as engaging in relaxation and healthy eating.

We also offer professional development trainings that empower healthcare providers to support clients living with chronic diseases Clinicians will learn communication and rapport-building skills, which can help facilitate conversations about health behaviours with their clients.

To learn more about the Choose Health self-management program, please visit https://selfmanagementtc.ca/

South Riverdale CHC has long history of involving people who use drugs in our harm reduction programming design, delivery and evaluation, beginning 24 years ago when the COUNTERfit program was started by Raffi Balian. Raffi was an injection drug user and firmly believed that every client could be a potential co-worker. His advocacy for the rights of people who use drugs, and for their meaningful inclusion and leadership in harm reduction services has informed the Training & Apprenticeship Program.

SRCHC’s Harm Reduction Worker Training & Apprenticeship Program is a 16-week training program followed by a 6-month apprenticeship. The aim of the program is to offer low barrier, comprehensive training & support to People with Lived Experience (PWLE) to do paid Harm Reduction work in the community.

It was evident that there is a huge amount of interest among PWLE to do this kind of work. People want to work and to be involved in their communities, they just need the opportunity to do so.

In February 2023, after finishing our first cohort of training and hosting a graduation ceremony to celebrate our 15 graduates, we have been absolutely overjoyed. From bringing people together at the graduation ceremony, to people excelling in their apprenticeships, these past few months have been incredibly inspiring and uplifting for everyone involved.

When asked what they liked about the program, graduates said that it really all came back to the feeling of having a community that not only accepts, but also celebrates you. Our program is a place where people can feel safe, welcome, secure, and heard. It is a place where people come to share vulnerability with one another, somewhere they know they are accepted – places like these are rare for people who use drugs. Opportunities like these are absolutely necessary as a means to engage, connect with, and uplift people with lived experiences in the community. People need ways to meaningfully connect and engage with their communities to not just live, but thrive.

Our hope moving forward is to secure resources to sustain the program based on its incredibly positive impact – we are committed to making it possible to continue this life-changing program beyond the end of 2023!

The Taylor-Massey Community Wellness Event was held on November 29, 2022, at Crescent Town Elementary School. A very well-attended event, with more than 400 people present, it was a great opportunity for community members to meet and build connections, while learning about programs and services available in the community.

Along with many other organizations, SRCHC had set up a table to speak with community members and share information about our programs and services We were able to share information about SRCHC’s harm reduction work, the food programs, and more. It was such a good turnout we gave out all of the flyers we had brought, even before the event ended! A survey was conducted at the event to try and identify service gaps, and needs of those living in the Taylor-Massey community – the results will be shared with ETHP partner agencies in the near future. The event was very thoughtfully planned at a venue that is very accessible to the community, with food provided, a vaccine booth and even prizes! As one community members, Hasina Talukdar said, it was an excellent initiative that allowed community members to meet one another and at the same time gain valuable information.

A survey has been conducted to identify the service gaps and needs of the Taylor Massey residence. Later MGH will share the results with ETPH partner agencies. According to a community member, Ms. Hasina Talukdar, this is an excellent initiative to allow community members to meet one another and at the same time gain valuable information. She thanked the organizer and requested for future initiative as well.

 

The Safer Opioid Supply Program at South Riverdale Community Health Centre aims to address the overdose crisis by transitioning people away from toxic and contaminated street opioids to pharmaceutical grade opioids. The program offers a flexible, community-based safer supply model that focuses on reducing death and other harms related to use of toxic illegal drugs. SOS has a participant-led and participant-centred model of care that is harm reduction focused, low barrier and has a non-punitive approach. The program provides access to stabilizing comprehensive care, including harm reduction, primary care, and other health and social services including trauma specific supports for people who have previously faced barriers to these services. The program recognizes that drug-related harms stem from several different sources, including criminalization. It aims to reduce some of the harms associated with drug use by providing a safer drug supply. Clinicians will respect people’s autonomy and choices around drug use and accessing healthcare. The program is meant to be as accessible as possible. The interdisciplinary teams strive to meet participant needs and ensure access to care through flexibility, problem solving and collaboration.

During our last reporting period, we asked 36 of our program participants if they had overdosed within the last month. 25 individuals stated they had not overdosed, 8 individuals stated they had overdosed and 3 were not sure if they had overdosed. All 36 participants had previously reported overdosing on a regular basis prior to entering the SOS program. Safer supply saves lives and prevents overdoses.

The SRCHC Community Health and Wellness team piloted a unique program this past fall, introducing mindfulness practice while working with clay. Over the course of 8 weeks, the Mindfulness with Clay program supported individuals in learning new wellness techniques while safely re-engaging with others in a community setting. The program was open to all clients, and community members of SRCHC.
The program attracted a lot of interest from within and outside of SRCHC. There were over 30 individuals interested, and once screening and referrals from SRCHC staff were complete, 10 clients were registered for the program.

The participants represented diverse lived experiences, with seven participants being from within Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) communities. The participants were reflective of most, if not all, SRCHC program and services areas including: Clinical, Diabetes Education Community of East Toronto (DECNET), Harmony Hall Community Food Centre (Harmony CFC), Seniors and Social Work.
The program was the first-time participants were exposed to clay and mindfulness. However, by the end of the first session, participants were already practicing and looking forward to learning more. Participants reported feeling welcomed, supported, and said they maid new connections and friends in the process.

All participants shared that their health and well-being improved through the Mindfulness and Clay program. They learned new skills, gained experience in both mindfulness and clay, and felt a sense of belonging. Participants would highly recommend the program to others. Below are some quotes from participants.

Participant testimonials:

“I really enjoyed this mindfulness program, I feel more positive”
“I felt a sense of belonging, everyone was very welcoming”.
“Best time ever, never knew I can do and the clay made me smile again!”
“Very therapeutic, had a great time. I am glad I got opportunity to join this mindfulness program. I really enjoyed this program, I feel more present focusing my day to day life”.

Due to the success of the pilot, a winter session will be held for SRCHC clients, and community members. For program details please contact Gurpreet, Community Health & Wellness Health Promoter at 416-419-5934.

THE ONTARIO LINE: BUILDING IT THE BETTER WAY
Health Impact Assessment of the Construction Phase of the Ontario Line in South Riverdale.

The Ontario Line: Building it the Better Way

Please also read:

TOWARDS A HEALTHIER RIVERSIDE AND LESLIEVILLE:
A Health Impact Assessment of the Ontario Line (Nov 2021)

Towards a Healthier Riverside and Leslieville: A Health Impact Assessment of the Ontario Line

Fall, and its association with all things apple, pumpkin, and warm spices, is a time to reflect on nature’s harvest and to give thanks for what it offers. It is also an opportunity to learn about the original stewards of this land and their traditions and beliefs.

The Diabetes Education Community Network), Harmony Community Food Centre, and Health Promotion teams worked together to bring an adapted three sisters soup cooking demo and teaching to the community.

The Three Sisters Garden

The Haudenosaunee are an Iroquoian-speaking confederacy of First Nations peoples in northeastern North America, a continent traditionally referred to as Turtle Island. The Haudenosaunee are well known for their agricultural skills, partly due to their practice of planting crops like corn, beans, and squash (sometimes known as the “three sisters”) together to encourage growth. These three foods made up a large portion of the traditional Haudenosaunee diet. These crops benefit and support each other through the companion planting method. Mounds of soil are formed approximately 12 inches high and 20 inches wide. Several corn seeds are then planted in the centre of the mound. When the corn is about 6 inches tall, the beans and squash are planted around the corn, alternating between the two types of crops. By using this method, the sturdy corn stalks are used as poles for the beans to climb, and the beans provide nitrogen to the soil. The squash spreads over the ground, providing shade that traps moisture for the growing crops. The prickly vines deter pests.

References:
https://www.nativeseeds.org/blogs/blog-news/how-to-growa-three-sisters-garden
https://fnti.net/three-sisters

Three Sisters Corn Soup

(adapted by Suzanne Hajto)

This is not a traditional three sisters soup recipe. The traditional recipe was discussed at the demo. This adapted recipe was created by Suzanne Hajto, dietitian, to address the nutritional needs of the community SRCHC serves.

Serves 6–8

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups frozen chopped squash
• 1 ½ cups frozen green beans
• 1 ½ cups canned hominy corn, rinsed and drained
• 6 cups vegetable-based, no-salt-added broth (1-2 stock/bouillon cubes or 1 ½ tablespoons stock/bouillon powder)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Finely chop the onion and place it in the pot with the vegetable oil. Cook on medium heat, stirring often
  until caramelized.
• Add the vegetables and broth or water to the pot.
• Place the lid on the pot.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the vegetables are soft, about 30 minutes.
• Season with pepper and salt, or stock/bouillon.
• Add more water if it’s too thick for your liking.
• Serve with buns or biscuits.
• Optional: For a smooth consistency, puree the soup.