Analysis of the presentation of Nutritious Food Basket research on PHU websites in Ontario

Abstract

The Nutritious Food Basket (NFB) is the only locally generated, standardized measure of the cost of a healthy diet gathered annually in Ontario (Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion (OMHP), 2010). This study analyzed if and how research using the Nutritious Food Basket (NFB) protocol is presented and mobilized on the websites of public health units (PHU) for health equity advocacy in Ontario. A coding scheme developed by the authors was used to conduct a content analysis of public health unit websites. In total, 35 PHU websites were analyzed. Thirty-two out of 35 websites included some information about local NFB research, while three had none. The ways in which Nutrition Food Basket research is included, framed, and leveraged for advocacy on public health unit websites varies widely along the categories assessed for this research. Despite fairly consistent messaging that defines food insecurity as an income-related issue alongside statements that food banks are inadequate solutions, a surprising number of PHU calls for action include urging the public to donate to or volunteer for local food banks and other food charities in response to food insecurity. In most cases, Ontario PHU websites are not used as effectively as they could be for sharing NFB results or for promoting advocacy activities based on NFB research.