Nutrition Month survey shows Canadians favourite regional foods are as
diverse as Canadians

Cheese, apples, corn, fresh veggies, lobster and beef are our favorites

TORONTO, Feb. 24 /CNW/ - A new Ipsos Reid/Dietitians of Canada survey reveals that Canadians enjoy food produced across Canada and each region has its own local favourite. The survey was released in support of National Nutrition Month, taking place in March, which is built around the theme, "Celebrate food...from field to table!"

When asked to name their favourite food from their region, Canadians across the country choose different foods: British Columbians like fresh vegetables and Albertans choose beef. Residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba named corn on the cob, while more Ontarians preferred apples over any other food. Quebecers were most likely to pick cheese while Atlantic Canadians were most likely to indicate that lobster was their favourite local food.

Of all foods produced in Canada, the most popular identified by Canadians were beef, apples, corn on the cob, potatoes, cheese and maple syrup. "The results show that Canadians enjoy a wide variety of foods, which is a really good thing because variety is a key factor in eating well," said Caroline Dubeau, National Nutrition Month Manager for Dietitians of Canada.

The survey also revealed that most (86%) agree that they are confident the food they eat in Canada is safe. Canadians also feel positive about foods available in their region; most (96%) believe that the term 'healthy' describes foods found in their region, while most others say that the words 'fresh' (94%), 'safe' (93%), 'abundant' (88%), 'diverse' (85%) and 'good value' (82%) also describe their regional foods well. Finally, eight in ten (78%) agree that it is important for them to know where their food is grown.

"Knowing where our food comes from, how it's grown and harvested and how to choose foods for the best nutrition is the goal of this year's National Nutrition Month campaign. Our country has much to celebrate with regard to the food available to Canadians", says Dubeau. "And there are plenty of ways to celebrate - spend time at a farmers market to discover new foods; involve the kids in preparing the foods and talk about the new foods during meal time. When you're at the grocery store, use nutrition labelling to help make healthy food choices. You can also grow your own garden, if weather and space permit, and preserve the fresh taste of foods by freezing or canning them for year round use."

These are some of the findings of an Ipsos Reid poll conducted on behalf of Dietitians of Canada from November 25 to December 8, 2009. This online survey of 2,201 Canadians was conducted via the Ipsos I-Say Online Panel, Ipsos Reid's national online panel.

Canadians can get a head start on learning about food and where it comes from on the Dietitians of Canada National Nutrition Month website www.dietitians.ca/eatwell where they will find helpful resources like fact sheets, healthy eating tips and practical food solutions. There is also a new interactive game that helps Canadians discover where various foods are grown and harvested in Canada.

About Dietitians of Canada

Dietitians of Canada represents and supports nearly 6,000 dietitians across Canada and has led the National Nutrition Month campaign for more than 28 years. Dietitians of Canada acknowledges its food industry partners who help to bring National Nutrition Month messages to Canadians. This year's sponsors are: Compass Group Canada, Dairy Farmers of Canada, General Mills Canada Corporation, and McCormick Gourmet Spices and Seasonings. For more information, visit www.dietitians.ca/eatwell.

Whether it is to help balance a meal plan, get the straight facts on nutrition issues or help Canadians find affordable healthy foods, dietitians can help. Dietitians provide trusted, evidence-based nutrition information and can make tailored eating plans that best suit your active lifestyle. To find a Dietitian in your local area, visit www.dietitians.ca/find or ask your doctor for a referral.

For further information: or to arrange an interview with a local Registered Dietitian, please contact: Stacy O'Rourke, Jason Squire, TRILLIUM Corporate Communications Inc., [phone] ext. 239, 227, [email protected], [email protected]