A recent food study in St. Vital has found 70 percent of residents are overweight or obese.
The surprising numbers come from Food Matters Manitoba, who conducted a community food assessment in the south Winnipeg neighbourhood.
The report, funded by the Winnipeg Foundation and the Province of Manitoba, took a close look at a community with both some of the wealthiest and lowest income areas in the city, and identifies challenges and opportunities for healthy foods.
“Without the assessment we would not have understood or imagined the hurdles preventing part of our St. Vital community from accessing wholesome and nutritious food,” said Louise Hébert-Saindon, executive director of Youville Centre.
The study also found that only 11 percent of residents live within a walkable distance to a grocery store, and few people are aware of food-related programs already happening in the community.
St. Vital is home to many of Winnipeg’s farms and is home to 175 food businesses. The full report can be viewed at FoodInStVital.ca.
