Consuming connections: experiences of food systems during times of homelessness in Prince George, British Columbia

This research sought to explore the seasonal dimensions of food security for people experiencing homelessness in Prince George, BC and the effects of this on their health and well-being. Data were collected using a modified approach to community mapping, a focus group and semi-structured interviews. The results indicate that people have a wide variety of strategies that they employ to access food. There was a strong desire for more culturally appropriate food to be provided through charitable food aid and for participants to become more actively engaged in producing their own food. Physical environments, social environments and relationships were found to influence what food people consumed, and there were important seasonal trends in food availability and accessibility. A holistic approach that can accommodate complexity is necessary to improve food security and health, thus the promotion of Indigenous food systems and Indigenous food sovereignty are seen as important future directions. --Leaf ii.