Growing Roots: A Newcomer Nutrition Program Designed Using Action Research Methods.

Many newcomers to Canada struggle with food insecurity and the health impacts of dietary acculturation. "Growing Roots" is a newcomer nutrition program designed through a community development approach to help immigrants and refugees adapt positively to the Canadian food environment. This qualitative action research project documented the development, implementation and impacts of the program in an inner city neighbourhood of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Data was collected through oral questionnaires and interviews. Impacts included: 1) Healthy adaptation to the Canadian foodscape; 2) Enhanced nutrition knowledge and behaviours; 3) Improvements to food security status; and 4) Enhanced social networks.