Growing Roots: An Action Research Project to Build Newcomer Food Security in Winnipeg’s North End

Many newcomers to Canada struggle with food insecurity and the health impacts of dietary acculturation, including increased risk for chronic disease. Few evaluated programs or resources exist to support newcomers with their food challenges and there is little collaboration between agencies working with newcomers on food issues. This action research project included the development, implementation and evaluation of a newcomer nutrition program and the Newcomer Food and Nutrition Network. Qualitative action research methods were used for data collection, including oral questionnaires, semi- structured interviews, focus groups, observation and field notes. An online questionnaire was also conducted. Data analysis included transcription, thematic analysis, triangulation and member checking. Interrater reliability testing was also conducted. The Growing Roots food and nutrition program had positive impacts on participants’ food and nutrition knowledge specific to the Canadian context as well as significant impacts on nutrition behaviours. There were also modest impacts on food security. Growing Roots also resulted in enhanced social networks of participants. Members of the Newcomer Food and Nutrition Network, reported greater collaboration, resource-sharing, knowledge-sharing and communication between agencies.