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Public Health Dietitians

Related topics: Children and youth health Nutrition and dietitian services Pregnancy and early childhood Public Health

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Public health dietitians work at the population level to promote health through food and nutrition. Instead of seeing individual clients, we partner with schools, early years programs, community organizations, First Nations communities, local governments, and health service providers to shape policies, programs, resources, and learning opportunities that support well-being.

We work within a framework of trauma-informed practice, cultural safety, diversity and inclusion, client-centred care, and Truth and Reconciliation. Our approach considers the broader issues that impact nutrition, including equity, food insecurity, weight stigma, responsive feeding, and the sustainability of our food systems.

How Public Health Dietitians support community well-being

Public health dietitians collaborate with partners to create healthy, inclusive, and sustainable food environments across communities. Our work includes:

Promoting equity and sustainability in food systems

  • Encouraging inclusive, culturally respectful, and sustainable approaches to healthy eating, recognizing the many ways people nourish themselves and how food connects to culture, identity, and the environment.
  • Supporting community organizations and food programs to improve access to nourishing food—so everyone can exercise their human right to food and help shape a more just and resilient food system.
  • Partnering with the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) to monitor the cost of eating well in BC, using this data to advocate for better food access and affordability.

Supporting schools and early years programs

  • Helping schools, childcare centres, and preschools develop inclusive food and nutrition policies that reflect the needs of the families they serve.
  • Collaborating on school-based initiatives like breakfast and lunch programs, school gardens, and food literacy activities that connect students to the origins and impact of their food.
  • Providing  school nutrition guidance for cafeterias, fundraisers, vending machines, and school celebrations.
  • Supporting educator and organizational learning on topics like weight bias, positive body image, and Canada’s Food Guide through resources such as Teach Food First.
  • Connecting school staff and community providers with trusted nutrition resources and supports.

Partnering and bridging knowledge for action 

  • Collaborating with community organizations to design and improve programs that reflect community values and priorities.
  • Reviewing and advising on nutrition resources from partners such as the Ministry of Health, Health Canada, and Perinatal Services BC to ensure they are relevant, inclusive, and evidence-based.
  • Partnering with academic researchers to build knowledge and evaluate the impact of community nutrition work.

Resources

Clients looking for nutrition assessment and support from a registered dietitian may access VCH services. For more information, visit the nutrition and dietitian services page.

Contact us

Are you a school, organization, or community partner interested in promoting healthy, inclusive food environments? We’d love to hear from you. Please email us at [email protected].