Multiple agencies, including the London Food Bank (LFB) and the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU), have expanded services for expecting people in London. The partners hope the growth of the Smart Start for Babies program will go a long way towards reducing food insecurity and improving nutrition. The program, which already operates in six locations around London, is being expanded to the Boys and Girls Club of London and the Highbury and Huron location of London Intercommunity Health Centre. Melina Rimtebaye, a mother of a six-month-old son, has already been helped through SSB services. “Even just changing a diaper, trying to know what the baby needs, helps,” she said during an interview with CTV News. The program offers insight and information to pregnant people facing social or economic barriers. Programs include classes on a range of topics, including preparing for labour and cooking affordable snacks to keep themselves and their baby healthy. “While they’re here, they’ll be preparing food together and learning about healthy nutrition and also receiving supports like grocery cards,” said Jennifer Proulx, the director of family and community health at MLHU. The expansion of the Smart Start program was made possible by a $180,000 donation from the LFB. Thanks to cash donations, the agency has expanded its footprint beyond traditional food donations. “We often don’t know the people we serve, so we wanted to work with groups like the resource centers as well, that work with people on the deeper issues and in the causes of food insecurity”, said Jane Roy of the London Food Bank. Melina says the help has given her a chance to care for her son while preparing to enter the workforce with a nearly acquired business law degree. More information on the Smart Start for Babies program can be found here:Prenatal Health – Middlesex-London Health Unit
