​A four-hour interactive Grow Ontario Food Summit hosted by the Hon. Lisa Thompson Ontario Ministry of Agriculture & Food (OMAFRA) was held on March 27, at Hart House, University of Toronto. OHEA was invited.

Diane O’Shea P.H.Ec. and Mary Carver, P.H.Ec. attended virtually on OHEA’s behalf, while Dr. Peggy O’Neil, P.H.Ec. attended in-person representing Brescia University College. A number of speakers made presentations, then intermittently the 260 (or so) attendees were divided into small breakout sessions (virtually and on-site) to add to the discussion.

What were Home Economists hoping to achieve by attending the provincial Food Summit?

To be heard, OHEA must be visible as a professional body and watchful of opportunities to speak to issues impacting families. The Summit was a rare chance to influence decisions at a government table set with like-minded others who support Ontario food production and food literacy on many levels.

As Professional Home Economists, we know the complexity of food. Many OHEA members work in a variety of businesses and organizations connected to the food system. Agriculture is a key component of Ontario's food system.

Strengthening the Agri-food supply chain is important to the present government while increasing Agri-food technology and attracting educated and skilled participants. The goals are admirable in establishing a trust in the quality and dependable supply of food and agricultural products produced in Ontario. Food Systems Literacy is a critical part of the process.

While the "business" of agriculture was forefront in the speaker presentations, breakout groups offered other conversations and further considerations that must be accounted for in government actions. Diane, Mary and Peggy were all able to discuss the need for improved food literacy at all levels.

Home Economists spoke up!

A take-away from the event: We encourage OHEA members to respond to OMAFRA's Red Tape Reduction Plan — please see here.

After the event, a follow-up letter was sent to the Hon. Lisa Thompson as our appreciation to be included in the summit.

The 2018-2019 President's award was presented by Dr. June Matthews, PhD, RD, P.H.Ec., to Rachelle Provost, P.H.Ec. on March 23, 2019. Congratulations Rachelle! We are P.H.Ec. proud of you. 

The following  speech was read by June at the annual OHEA conference. 

The recipient of this award is chosen by the President to recognize the outstanding volunteer contributions of an individual member in the preceding year.

The member receiving the award for 2018-19 has definitely made an outstanding contribution to OHEA! She has volunteered hundreds of hours over the past year to make sure we are a relevant professional association in the 21st century. She is a shining example of the skills and talents that young Professional Home Economists bring to our association.

The 2018-2019 Founder's award was presented by Dr. June Matthews, PhD, RD, P.H.Ec., to Maria Depenweiller, P.H.Ec. on March 23, 2019. Congratulations Maria! We are P.H.Ec. proud of you. 

The following  speech was read by June at the annual OHEA conference. 

The Founder’s Award is given to a Professional Home Economist who has made sustained and outstanding contributions to the profession in the broader communities in which he/she practices.

This is certainly the case for this year’s recipient! A young Professional Home Economist, she, too, has dedicated hundreds of hours to OHEA, and previously to her local Home Economics branch. This is a significant accomplishment given that she has many other personal and professional commitments.

OHEA would like to recognize and thank our generous sponsors! Without their contributions, we would not have been able to make this year's conference such a huge success. Thank you! To learn more about each sponsor, click the logos below and it will bring you to each sponsor's respective website. 

Scroll down to see some photos of our sponsors' exhibitor booths at the conference, thank you for sharing information and samples from your companies, we learned a lot!!

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. 

​‘For 10 Days Agriculture Comes to the City.’  What an appropriate annual tag-line used by The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RAWF).

Since 1922, Agriculture has brought international attention to Toronto in November, as farmers, producers, commodity groups, and homesteaders arrive, to exhibit their very best agricultural products and livestock.

Competition is steep, but food education is a primary focus at RAWF. Many features meld seamlessly into Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum.

This year, Royal planners invited Professional Home Economists, Registered Dietitians, Food Educators, Researchers, Farmers, Authors and Consumers to discuss food perspectives on Nov. 7th.  The invigorating event was promoted as The Royal Food & Nutrition Forum and held on-site. ​

The Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) would like to congratulate the New Brunswick Home Economics Association on the 100th anniversary of their association. One hundred years as a professional association is a significant accomplishment and demonstrates your members' dedication to the profession of Home Economics, as well to their own personal and professional development. 

The work of the Home Economists of New Brunswick over the last 100 years has lead to advocacy across many sectors - the result of which has been improved quality of life for individuals and families in their community and beyond. An important testament to the value of their work is also the fact that the number one suggestion received from New Brunswickers to make their province healthier was to have mandatory Home Economics classes! (1) This finding has contributed significantly to the growing conversations across several jurisdictions about this much-needed curriculum change.

The New Brunswick Home Economics Association also had a conference on June 1-3, 2018. Their theme was "Celebrate the Past, Embrace the Present, and Look to the Future." We hope this three day event was filled with knowledge, creating connections, and encouraging Professional Home Economists to further develop this profession. 

Once again, we would like to congratulate the New Brunswick Home Economics Association on this monumental accomplishment. 

References:
New Brunswick Medical Society. (2017). Top 3 in 10: Taking back New Brunswick’s Health.

At OHEA's 39th annual conference on March 24, 2018, Jason Eaton, P.H.Ec., and Erin MacGregor, RD., P.H.Ec., were awarded with OHEA's President's Distinguished Service Award and OHEA Founder's Honour Award, respectively.  

Cindy Hartman, P.H.Ec. presented Erin with her award at the conference.  Jason was not present at the conference, but Cindy gave a speech about both Erin and Jason at the conference. Cindy presented Jason the OHEA President's Distinguished Service Award 2018 at the LHEA AGM & dinner on Tuesday May 8th at Growing Chefs in London.

Please see photos and speeches below.

Congratulations to Jason and Erin, both very well deserving recipients of the 2018 OHEA awards!