“Talking with people who are recipients of public health initiatives allows us, as public health professionals, to adapt and advance programs to create positive change.”

Lauren McKay
COVID-19 Food Program Coordinator Assistant

Meet Lauren McKay, our Public Health Insight Community Star! Lauren works as a COVID-19 Food Program Coordinator Assistant in Norfolk County, Ontario.

In this post, Lauren shares her passion for public health by providing responses to the following questions:

What does public health mean to you?

Public health encompasses all the programs and policies that shape and influence the health of communities.

It goes beyond healthcare to include underlying causes of health inequities, such as the environments we live in.

By looking at health inequities through a critical lens, we can respond to address the root causes of disease and promote wellbeing for all.

What work do you do in public health?

I work for a charity in Norfolk County, Ontario. We coordinate a food hamper program for people experiencing food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We distribute healthy staple foods, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, to those who need it. My work allows me to apply my passion for nutrition and food security to contribute to the pandemic response.

The program has slowly grown over the past 12 months and we now serve about 120 households each week. Last month, we delivered our 5000th food hamper. It is unfortunate that so many people are in need, but I am happy that we are able to help them.

What is your public health message?

COVID-19 has confirmed the vital role of public health. Everyone has faced challenges and responding to the specific needs of different communities has never been so important.

Through my work, I have come to understand how much we can learn from listening to the communities we serve.

Talking with people who are recipients of public health initiatives allows us, as public health professionals, to adapt and advance programs to create positive change.