As a Public Health Nurse, Sandra Dominie is responsible for health promotion in her community of Harbour Breton. Through her work, she connects people and organizations with resources to promote community health.

This was the case when she reached out to Food First NL for help with a very special garden in the small southcoast town. “Back in 2013, my daughter had a classmate who passed away with Batten disease at the age 9,” says Sandra.

“One of the projects that we were working on during that time was a community garden. With the passing of Averee, this little group wanted to remember her by dedicating the garden in her honor. Her family, classmates, and myself began the process of creating Averee’s Garden.”

Through Food First NL, Sandra found information and education about everything garden-related. “We have partnered several times since 2013 and I’ve been able to engage my community and region around the topic of food security thanks to this organization,” she says.

“They have had great leadership as well as knowledgeable and passionate staff whom are dedicated in improving food security in the province,” says Sandra.

“They are making great strides in educating NL about the importance of food security in the province, and advocating to government for improved food security as it relates to the determinants of health.”

As it moves into its next 20 years, Sandra feels that Food First NL must continue its work in assisting communities to be more self-reliant. “People are more aware of the amount of food that we ship onto the island and our reliance on same,” says Sandra.

“Food First NL’s community-led food assessment model is a great way to identify strengths and challenges for communities identifying food security as an issue. Helping individuals and communities understand our current food system, and how we can improve upon it, is vital in making positive changes that can have a big impact on the island as a whole.”

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