Thursday, October 02, 2014
Huron County Health Unit
Candidates' Survey Looks at Poverty in Huron County
A new survey asks municipal candidates in Huron County for their thoughts on reducing poverty in their communities.
Hungry for Action in Huron is part of a larger initiative coordinated by the Ontario Society of Nutrition Professionals in Public Health.
Huron County is one of several counties in Ontario participating in the survey. About 120 surveys have been sent out locally.
Candidates are asked how they define poverty and what steps municipalities could take to tackle the issue.
“Poverty negatively impacts health and the ability to create a healthy, vibrant community,” says Janice Dunbar, community developer at the Huron County Health Unit. “The fact that some people in our communities cannot afford basic needs, including nutritious and sufficient food, is a real concern.”
“We’ve been fortunate in Huron County to have politicians committed to addressing poverty. This issue continues to deserve the attention of elected officials.” she adds.
Hungry for Action in Huron is sponsored by the Poverty to Prosperity in Huron Network. Network partners include the Huron County Health Unit, Rural Response for Healthy Children, Huron County Social and Property Services, and the United Way Perth-Huron.
The network encourages local decision makers to work towards healthy public policy that reduces poverty and improves access to food. Candidates, along with local business leaders, have also been invited to the Hungry for Action poverty simulation in Clinton November 4.
Candidates are being asked to reply to the survey by October 10. Results will be posted on www.huronhealthunit.ca.
Media Contact:
Rita Marshall
Communications Co-ordinator
Huron County Health Unit
519-482-3416 or toll-free 1-877-837-6143 ext 2023
rmarshall@huroncounty.ca
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