Jessica Wiles-Drake and Samara Kianfar are dedicated registered dietitians at the London Intercommunity Health Centre (LIHC), where they provide essential nutrition care to some of London’s most vulnerable populations. Their work focuses on addressing food security and food literacy, offering tailored services that meet the unique health needs of individuals facing challenges such as diabetes, mental health issues, and substance use. Through both one-on-one consultations and group programs, Jess and Samara work tirelessly to remove barriers to access, ensuring that those who would otherwise be unable to benefit from dietitian services receive the support they need.
Their innovative programs include “Meal Prep Masters,” where clients collaborate with Indwell to prepare meals, learning essential cooking skills such as chopping, recipe reading, and understanding measurements. Additionally, their “Chop, Eat, Learn!” program, in partnership with Type Diabeat it, focuses on diversifying palates and teaching various cooking and meal preparation techniques. Jess and Samara also engage with other service providers, sharing their expertise on the specific nutritional and food security needs of marginalized communities, thereby fostering a more inclusive approach to community health.
As role models in community nutrition, Jess and Samara are committed to making healthy eating accessible while empowering individuals to discover their passion for cooking. Their work at LIHC not only reduces stigma but also restores dignity to those in need. By offering emergency food cupboard services, rotating cooking classes, and other food programs, they play a crucial role in promoting food literacy and wellness within the community, demonstrating a profound commitment to fostering equitable access to health services for all.
Learn more about what they do and access support services: https://lihc.on.ca/
Check out the LIHC Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LondonInterCommunityHealthCentre
