By means of a literature synthesis, this report discusses the conceptual models and measurement approaches currently in use in research on food environments. It examines their application to the Canadian context and the evidence available to date on the association of food environments with diet-related outcomes. The report points out unresolved issues and gaps in the existing research methodology, with an emphasis on research approaches needed to address uniquely Canadian food environments, such as in the North.
The report then takes a closer look at the Canadian context, with a review of 19 Canadian community food assessments. Through interviews with key informants across Canada, the report highlights the experiences and analysis of food researchers in communities across the country. It examines in detail three case studies of notable food environment measurement initiatives within different Canadian contexts.
Published By: Health Canada, publications@hc-sc.gc.ca
Publication Date: January, 2013
