Access to Basics focuses on people’s capacity to access the things that they need most. Among these basic needs are shelter, food, education, employment and health.
The crisis caused by lack of access to healthy food for many residents, particularly those who are low income, is a key health priority which is well recognized and documented. In response, the SPC Board established a priority in 2011 to work to develop new programs to directly increase access to healthy food.
The Ottawa Neighbourhoods Social Capital Forum (ONSCF) was established in 2011 to support the building of strong and vibrant neighbourhoods. The ONSCF has three components:
Engaging residents in community development projects to improve issues which matter to the residents;
Creating changes in programs, policies and systems to support the neighbourhood issues
Evaluating progress and sharing learning
The Social Planning Council chairs the ONSCF and is responsible for the research and evaluation supports.