The revamped, modernized Canada’s Food Guide was finally released this morning! Below is a snapshot of the new guide. It has many features including many online resources which go into detail about the different components of the Food Guide. Focusing on eating well and living well, with general recommendations, this Food Guide is very different than the old “rainbow Food Guide” that many of us were used to.

To check out the resources, click here! Please comment with your opinions and views on the new Food Guide, we are interested to hear what you have to say!

CALLING ALL MEMBERS

Click HERE to complete the survey.

We’ve noticed our branding is vague. As we enter into our 40 years as an association, we want to portray a strong brand to the public that you are continually confident in and can explain who you are as a current or aspiring Professional Home Economist (P.H.Ec.). To do this, we need your help.

To better define our mission, vision and values, we need to understand what is important to you, our members of ALL categories, when talking about OHEA and the profession of Home Economics. We encourage you to share your voice, opinions and help shape the next 40 years by completing our survey.

There are 12 questions and the survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. The answers are anonymous and will be kept confidential. We strongly encourage honest, constructive feedback. This information will be used to help advance the association. Click HERE to complete the survey.

The survey will be available until January 31, 2019. If you have any questions or concerns about the survey, please contact Rachelle Provost, VP Communications, at rachelleleighprovost.4@gmail.com.

As the Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) enters into our 40th year, we want to celebrate your experiences and accomplishments.

We are looking for members to submit photos from OHEA Annual General Meetings (AGM), conferences, events, branch association events and with other members. We want to share our P.H.Ec. pride. These photos will be used on social media, for blog posts or posters throughout the year. 

Want to submit a photo? Email Tamara Saslove or Rachelle Provost. 

We would like to wish all of our members and their families, our partners and supporters a wonderful holiday season and a very happy New Year from the Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA).

We look forward to seeing the wonderful accomplishments you achieve in 2019 and experiencing OHEA's 40th year with you. 

By: Deb Campbell, P.H.Ec.

​​Adapted from a previous OHEA media release for the Ask a Professional Home Economists (P.H.Ec.) series.

​Is this really possible or is it just another oxymoron? Healthy eating during the upcoming holiday season is absolutely possible and, like anything else, in order to succeed you need to do some planning. 

​You may think you can only control your intake when you are the host, but it is very easy to make wise choices anytime. You know there are going to be some difficult occasions when food and drink are plentiful because we all want to try new recipes and flavour combinations on our guests. ​

As a guest, you can enjoy the party and go home without having all those leftovers around to tempt you. When you are the host, plan your menu with a variety of guests’ needs in mind. ​

By: Mary Carver, P.H.Ec.

​Adapted from a previous OHEA media release for the Ask a Professional Home Economists (P.H.Ec.) series.

A familiar tune reminds us that “chestnuts are roasting on an open fire”, yet most don't experience such an event as we scramble to write cards, wrap gifts, host parties, prepare food, and create our own memories. Despite all the preparations we make for the “perfect” holiday season, many times the best part really does begin in the kitchen.

​Foods served at this festive time can become family favourites, creating wonderful traditions and warm memories to pass along to other generations. If you don’t have seasonal food traditions at your house, it’s never too late to start some. And a gift from the kitchen comes from the heart and is always in good taste!

Professional Home Economists (P.H.Ec.) were asked to share some of their favourite family recipes. Here are a few that we think you will enjoy, year after year. Much of the fun is sharing “family time” in the kitchen, so grab a partner and cook up some culinary memories this holiday season. 

Get a head start on holiday preparations by making delicious and colourful jars of a cranberry relish or chutney. Cranberries celebrate the season with their rich colour and bright taste and are easily turned into a welcome hostess gift or a treat for a special friend.

Quick Apple Cranberry Chutney has a rich mellow taste and is perfect to serve with chicken or pork. The Cranberry Rum Relish is a splendid accompaniment to the holiday bird. Both of these require less than 15 minutes cooking time.

​A dollop of chutney on a cracker spread with cream cheese makes a superb appetizer requiring little preparation. And a bit of either the chutney or relish stirred into yogurt becomes a delicious low-fat veggie dip.

H​ome preserving is easy and can be done safely if proper processing procedures and times are followed. It is essential to use mason-type jars. These jars are widely available in 125 mL (1/2 cup), 236mL, 250 mL (1 cup) and 500 mL (2 cups) sizes which are perfect for creating small gifts.

​They often come with lids decorated in a holiday motif or, to personalize your gift, cut a circle of holiday fabric and tie it to the lid with ribbon and a card. One short evening spent now will provide you with several tasty gifts ready for holiday giving.