Halton Needs Volunteers Who are Passionate about Food

The Community Food Advisor (CFA) Program – a new Halton Region initiative – needs volunteers who are passionate about food and are looking for an opportunity to share information about safe and healthy food ideas with groups of all ages in Halton.

“Volunteers are integral part of our community,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “Many Halton residents have food-related skills and knowledge gained through cultural, occupational, education and family experiences. The Community Food Advisor program gives volunteers a wonderful opportunity to work with people and communicate information that can contribute to the well-being of residents in this community.”

The CFA program provides, through trained volunteers, reliable information and education that promotes safe and nutritious food selection, preparation and storage practices to consumers. People with an interest in helping others learn how to prepare healthy meals are encouraged to apply.

Volunteers will receive free training through the fall and will be certified as Community Food Advisors (CFAs) able to work as volunteers with Halton residents and groups early in 2009. They will conduct workshops and cooking classes, and host demonstrations and exhibits.

According to Dr. Bob Nosal, Medical Officer of Health for Halton Region, Community Food Advisors work with a variety of people and groups in many different settings. “The CFA program has been designed to address the needs of each particular community in various settings such as community centres, food banks and schools,” he explained.

Two community information sessions have been scheduled to provide details of the program and how to volunteer as a CFA:

• Monday, August 18, 2008, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and
• Tuesday, August 19, 2008, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The sessions will be held at the Halton Regional Centre, 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville get directions. To register for either session, call Halton Region at 905-825-6000 or toll-free 1-866-442-5866, (TTY 905-827-9833).

For more information on the CFA program, visit Halton Region’s website.

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