Food Access Barriers and Supports for Youth in Thunder Bay, Canada

Abstract

The issue of youth food insecurity is examined in this thesis, in the context of a diverse urban centre which has a growing youth population and a high Indigenous presence. Literature review has identified gaps in academic literature examining location-based efforts to target food insecurity among youth in Canada, especially gaps in studies that focus on the needs of youth based on their experiences, and simultaneously investigate efforts made by support organizations to meet those needs. Approaches to supporting Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth in their food security needs, including cultural food security, is examined in this research undertaken in Thunder Bay, ON. Semi-structured interviews have been conducted with 23 youth participants and 14 staff participants who are involved with various food support organizations. Youth participants were asked to discuss their household food situations, food preferences, barriers they face, and the support they need to have sustainable eating habits. Staff participants were asked to discuss the food security barriers they have identified and addressed within the community, and which barriers they perceived to be beyond their scope to support. A phenomenological analysis technique was used to interpret participants’ experiences. A combination of literature search, and comparison of input from both youth and staff participants, led to a picture of food security in Thunder Bay youth. Based on these findings, three layers of barriers were identified, and a set of recommendations were generated aimed at improving food security. These recommendations centred around greater education and awareness, improved design of secondary support programs, and greater inclusion of Indigenous culture. It is hoped that this thesis will fill a gap that exists in academic literature examining food security initiatives aimed at youth at the community level, with direct insight from youth and staff who are involved with food support.