Winnipeg, Manitoba, March 18, 2011 – The Governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing $400,000 to help survey Manitobans about their opinions, preferences and experiences with food and health which will lead to food development and creating a healthier future for Manitobans. The Honourable Stan Struthers, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, and Member of Parliament Rod Bruinooge (Winnipeg South) made the announcement today during the opening ceremonies of Agriculture in the City.
“Your provincial government knows that providing healthy food choices and healthy lifestyle opportunities is a priority for Manitoba families and it is a priority for our government, too,” said Minister Struthers. “That’s why we’re proud to support this survey, which will provide information that will be useful in helping us to develop new initiatives that will help Manitobans to make healthy food choices.”
“Our government is proud to support research in food and health,” said MP Bruinooge, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “Canadian farmers produce an abundance of quality food with a variety of nutritional benefits and the information obtained in this study will help shape long-term food development ideas and strategies.”
This investment will support the Manitoba Consumer Monitor Food Panel (MCMFP) project, which is a long term, online survey study that will track the attitudes and perceptions of 4,000 Manitobans. Researchers from the University of Manitoba will study the food trends, find out what consumers likes and dislikes are, and how consumers approach food and health. The results will lead to food development ideas, policies, and programs to guarantee a strong, healthier future for Manitobans.
“The University of Manitoba has proven expertise in the areas of agricultural and food science, but also in human ecology, where concerns over food safety and consumer health form an integral part of our research programs,” said David Barnard, president and vice-chancellor. “This study funded by the federal and provincial governments will benefit consumers, leading to a better understanding about choices of healthy food products and helping gauge our health as a result of these choices.”
This investment is provided through Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative focused on achieving results, reflects input from across the sector, and delivers programs that are simple, more effective and tailored to local needs.
Interested consumers can ask questions, including how to become a panellist, by visiting the MCMFP office or the University of Manitoba booth. For more information, please visit www.mcmfoodpanel.caor contact the Project Coordinator: Jocelyne Gaudet, phone: 204?487?3716, toll free: 1-877-538-5543, email: gaudet@mcmfoodpanel.ca.