News Release
Accessible nutritional food - serious human rights challenge
(Regina, December 11, 2006) The Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association (SRNA) and the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers (SASW) marked International Human Rights Day - December 10, with a plea to make accessible nutritional food a basic fundamental human right for all. Registered Nurses and Social Workers every day see the people of Saskatchewan suffering from serious ailments caused by malnutrition.
Fay Puckett, RN, SRNA President said, "Societal problems cannot be solved without addressing the determinants of health. Adequate nutrition through access to good food is one very important component in addressing citizens' health issues." As the largest health provider group in the province, the 9,000 Saskatchewan Registered Nurses are aware and concerned about poor nutrition and the direct link with poor health.
Deb Wiszniak, President of the SASW said, "Creating joint ventures with other concerned organizations is one way of accomplishing this". She agreed and vowed that the Association and its 1,200 members would continue to seek avenues to address concerns in this area.
"Poverty and accessible nutritional food prevail as a serious human right challenge," said Puckett. Registered Nurses and Social Workers are keenly interested in promoting healthy food choices but are aware first-hand that vulnerable populations cannot always access healthy foods. "We need to ensure everyone has an adequate standard of living that meets basic needs," said Wiszniak.
The SRNA is the professional voice of nursing in Saskatchewan representing the province's Registered Nurses. The SASW is a member-based organization that exists to regulate and support the profession of social work in Saskatchewan.
For more information, please contact:
Maureen Belanger, Communications Coordinator
Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association
(306) 359-4243
Richard Hazel, Executive Director,
Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers
(306) 545-1922
Last Updated: May 4, 2008