Programs that are designed to increase public awareness of the measures people can take when they shop for, store, prepare, cook, defrost or reheat food to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Topics may include proper storage and cooking temperatures, avoidance of cross-contamination, the importance of hand washing and disinfecting kitchen surfaces, safe thawing practices, prompt refrigeration of leftovers, condiment safety, animal drugs and feeds, food irradiation, bioengineered fruit and produce, dietary supplements, food allergies, food colours and additives, fat and sugar substitutes, pesticides and other contaminants, food concerns during pregnancy and tips regarding specific foods with known risk factors. Food safety education programs may target school children; consumers; or food service workers, managers, cooks, bartenders, servers and dishwashers in restaurants, hotels, schools, child care centres, long-term care facilities and other establishments that prepare and serve food.

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Programs that evaluate an individual's nutritional history and dietary intake and develop a plan which ensures that the person's nutritional needs are met. The evaluation includes a review of the individual's food habits and preferences, an assessment of his or her feeding skills and eating problems and an analysis of biochemical and anthropometric variables including the person's height and weight and the fat content of his or her body.

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Programs that maintain lists of dietitians and nutritionists, and link individuals with qualified practitioners who can help them develop healthy eating habits and change their diet, if necessary, to manage their weight, reduce their cholesterol levels, lower their blood pressure, deal with diabetes or prevent and/or treat other health concerns.

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A federally-funded program that helps improve the health of pregnant individuals, new parents and their babies who face challenges such as poverty, teen pregnancy, social and geographic isolation, substance use or family violence. The program seeks to increase the number of babies born at a healthy weight, and to ensure culturally sensitive prenatal support for indigenous individuals and recent immigrants. Activities may include nutrition counselling, prenatal vitamins, food and food coupons, food preparation training, counselling in prenatal health and lifestyle, and education and support on breastfeeding, infant care and child development.

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Programs that utilize one or a variety of techniques including nutrition education, exercise, special diets, protein sparing fasting, behaviour modification, hypnosis, medication or surgery to help individuals who have a weight control problem gain or lose weight to achieve a more healthful body weight and develop a lifestyle that allows them to maintain that weight.

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Mutual support groups whose members are individuals who are seeking weight gain or weight loss support. The groups meet in-person, by telephone or via the Internet; provide emotional support, information and resources for those who participate; offer weight loss or weight gain support only, no special diets; and may include faith-based and secular 12-step groups as well as non-12 step groups. 

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Programs that raise awareness and educate the community about body image and eating issues while promoting normal eating, active living, self-acceptance, and respect and appreciation for size diversity. "Body image" refers to a person's perception of his or her own physical appearance. People with a poor body image perceive their own body as being unattractive or even repulsive to others while people with a good body image, or positive "body acceptance", either see themselves as attractive to others, or are willing accept their body as it is. Concerns about body image have led to poor self-esteem, reluctance to participate in physical activities, preoccupation with weight and dieting, and an increase in the likelihood of developing an eating disorder.

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