Comparing food costing approaches in British Columbia and Nova Scotia

Food security is a determinant of health and a basic human right. Food insecurity is associated with a variety of negative health outcomes varying from nutrient deficiencies to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Therefore, the availability and affordability of a basic nutritious diet is a public health concern. Food costing is one method used to address affordability of a basic nutritious diet and is completed annually across Canada. In British Columbia, dieticians who work in public health conduct food costing. In Nova Scotia, trained community members who are or have been food insecure conduct food costing. This paper compares food costing approaches in British Columbia and Nova Scotia, exploring the strengths and challenges of each. Both systems have made important contributions to help address food security. The Nova Scotia model, using a participatory approach has an added benefit of building capacity within the local community.