Sustain Ontario’s Food Literacy Working Group submitted a Proposal to the Ministry of Education in July 2023 outlining recommendations for the government to further advance food literacy in Ontario. We await a reply from the Ministry of Education.

Meanwhile, OHEA members can now read the Proposal as posted on the Sustain Ontario site here.

We were proud to represent OHEA as one of 29 organizations involved and thrilled to work closely with like-minded professionals  across the province.

At the AGM celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Ottawa Home Economics Association (OttawaHEA) June 2023 a decision was made to establish the Ottawa Home Economics Association Fund within the Ottawa Community Foundation (OCF).  The goal of the fund is to establish a legacy in support of the goals of home economics to improve the quality of life for families and individuals.  The inaugural focus of the Fund will be support for: 

- Pre-natal and infant programs with a strong nutrition component
- Organizations providing nutritious food to at-risk populations

The initial donation of $7,000 was the result of initiatives and projects undertaken by members of OttawaHEA over many years  This amount is not yet sufficient to generate annual grants to finance stand-alone programs.  On an annual basis the OCF will consult with OttawaHEA through the Fund Advisor (currently Ellie Topp, P.H.Ec., OttawaHEA Treasurer) regarding joining with grants from other Funds to support existing programs in line with home economics goals.  A report on the Fund will be included in the annual report of OttawaHEA.

At any time people are invited to make a donation to the Fund simply by visiting Ottawa Community Foundation. Click on ‘Donate to a Fund', then ‘Donate Online' and type in Ottawa Home Economics Association Fund where you may choose to donate either to the investment part of the Fund or directly to the grant portion which ensures that your donation will go directly to the annual project chosen for support. Charitable tax receipts will be issued for individual donations. Members are encouraged to invite friends to donate to help build our new Fund.  

OttawaHEA is excited to launch this initiative and to know that its funds are being used to support home economics related projects within our city.  

​It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Margaret Arcus, Professor Emerita of the School of Family and Nutritional Sciences, on June 27, 2023. Margaret was born on April 30, 1935 in Auburn, Nebraska, U.S., and completed her PhD in Home Economics Education from Iowa State University.

​Despite only 4 days’ notice, 10 members of the Ottawa HEA were enthusiastic attendees of our first Bring your Own Picnic at the historic Maplelawn Garden, on August 17, 2023. 

Maplelawn is the beautiful walled garden of one of Ottawa’s earliest surviving stone houses.  It has been maintained by volunteers for 30 years, and was in full mid-summer bloom.  We strolled the garden paths, caught up on personal news, and enjoyed lunch on picnic tables under the shade trees.

Cathy Enright, P.H.Ec. brought extra treats to share:  drinks, marinated vegetables and cookies!  The consensus seemed to be that we should do it again next summer.