The Our Kids Network Kindergarten Parent Survey (KPS) is a unique research tool that was developed in 2003 by a collaborative of Halton researchers. The survey assesses how senior kindergarten children and their families are faring on a range of indicators connected to health and development, learning experiences, and access to programs and community services. The 2023 data collection cycle was the first time that the KPS measured food insecurity. During this learning opportunity, OKN Knowledge Broker Rebecca Abavi will explore the food insecurity findings from the KPS Food Insecurity Brief alongside guest presenters from local food security organizations.
Jennifer Sully-Ferraro, Executive Director of Food4Kids Halton, will share insights into the growing issue of childhood food insecurity in Halton and the impact it has on children’s health, learning, and wellbeing. She will discuss the work of Food4Kids Halton in providing nutritious weekend food to children who might otherwise go hungry and highlight how community partnerships are helping to ensure local kids have the food they need to thrive. Jennifer will also speak to the broader challenges families are facing and the important role communities can play in addressing food insecurity close to home.
Dianna Williams, Manager of Research at Food for Life, will provide an overview of Food for Life’s food rescue and redistribution model, share insights into changing patterns of food insecurity—including the growing number of working households accessing food programs—and discuss how culturally appropriate food access and low-barrier program design support households before they reach crisis. She will also highlight how service providers can help connect families to local food programs and resources.
Presenters
Jennifer Sully-Ferraro, Executive Director, Food4Kids Halton
Jennifer has more than 15 years of leadership experience in the non-profit sector, with a focus on addressing poverty and homelessness. She has been instrumental in building partnerships across community organizations, government agencies, and the private sector to foster innovative solutions and impactful programs. Jennifer believes that access to nutritious food is a cornerstone of helping children thrive and reach their full potential.
Jennifer is a graduate of McMaster University and holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from Toronto Metropolitan University. She is the 2023 recipient of the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association’s Sybil Frenette Award for Outstanding Leadership. She believes food is a human right and is proud to be part of Food4Kids Halton’s work to ensure that no child in the region goes hungry.
Dianna Williams, Manager of Research, Food for Life
Dianna Williams is the Research Manager at Food for Life, where she leads program evaluation, community research, and knowledge mobilization to better understand and respond to food insecurity across Halton and Hamilton. With a background in community-based research and a focus on food, health, and equity, she works to ensure that data is used to strengthen programs, inform advocacy, and improve the experiences of community members accessing food support.
Rebecca Abavi, Knowledge Broker, Our Kids Network
Rebecca is passionate about transforming research and data into meaningful information that promotes the wellbeing of children and families in Halton. As Knowledge Broker at OKN, she develops knowledge translation tools and resources. Her primary goal is building the network’s capacity to improve the lives of children and youth through data. Rebecca joined OKN in 2023. Prior to that, she conducted work in research and knowledge translation in a variety of roles focused on health, human rights, gender-based violence, and child development.
