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New food guide costs may put it out of reach for some

Jan 23, 2019 | 1:00 PM

The new Canada Food Guide has been published.

Key changes include the abolition of the food groups and portion sizes, a marginalized role for dairy, an emphasis on eating more plant-based proteins, including more fruits and vegetables, as well some healthy lifestyle tips.

Members of the Prince Albert Food Bank are reacting favourably to the changes, but have doubts how effective it will be.

Kim Scruby, the Executive Director with the Food Bank thinks affordability will play a bigger role in what determines people’s food choices.

”Unfortunately relying on produce in a plant-based diet is far more expensive than other options. Sadly processed food seems to be a lot cheaper,” he said.

Scruby added rising food costs makes it tough.

“Who is not going to want to buy fresh fruit and produce all the time? If you simply can’t afford it, that’s the reality,” he said.

Scruby said he finds it odd dairy products were featured less in the guide — an opinion echoed by Isabelle Neiderer, director of nutrition and research with the Dairy Farmers of Canada.

Neiderer said she is concerned dairy is listed as a protein.

“Not all protein foods have the same nutritional profiles. They provide, in addition to protein, they provide nutrients and in the case of milk products these nutrients are very different than other protein sources,” Neiderer said.

The food guide lists out some items that should be consumed less regularly which include sugar, salt, alcohol and prepared food.

Hasan Hutchison, the director-General of nutritional policy and promotion with Health Canada. He said healthy eating and living is a good message to send to Canadians.

“Dietary risks are one of the top three leading risk factors for chronic disease burden in Canada, however nutrition science is complex and often results in conflicting messages. This is why Canadians need credible healthy-eating information to guide their food choices,” Hutchinson said.

Scruby said beans and canned vegetables are options to include healthier choices on a budget.

He added if people want to help the local food bank they are always looking for non-perishable items.

“The demand is always high, and it seems to be getting higher,” he said.

Scruby attributes the increased use of the food bank to the economic rate in the area.

 

With files from the Canadian Press

Ron.quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroni