Author Archives: Christabel Menezes

Every year on September 30th, people across Canada wear orange and participate in Orange Shirt Day events to recognize and raise awareness about the history and legacies of the residential school system in Canada. Orange Shirt Day originates from the story of Phyllis Webstad from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation. In 1973, on her firstContinue reading “Orange Shirt Day”

Path to Dietetics While the path looks different for everyone, here’s a basic outline: Barriers to Becoming an RD Barriers to become a dietitian play a big role in the lack of diversity of our field. Financial barriers include the cost of tuition, living expenses, pay over tuition (POT), cost of healthy food on campus,Continue reading “Privilege of Dietetics”

Written and edited by Christabel Menezes Sharecropping and Black Land Acquisition (1868-1900) Sharecropping: formerly enslaved farmers were leased small plots of land by giving a portion of the crop yield back to the landowner. This resulted in extreme power imbalances between landlords and leaser, often putting Black farmers in severe debt. “Sharecropping was like slaveryContinue reading “Black Farmers: Historic Discrimination in North America”

Written by Tanvir Jassal & Edited by Christabel Menezes Who are the Black Panthers? Established in 1966 by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale in Oakland, California. Formed in response to ongoing systemic inequities in urban black communities despite the accomplishments of the Civil Rights Movement. Developed various community programs, including free clothing and shoes,Continue reading “Black-Led Movements in Nutrition and Food Justice: Spotlight on the Black Panther Party”

Gabby Puche and Christabel Menezes Corn Corn has remained an important staple in Venezuelan cuisine, providing comfort and a source of great nutrition. Nutrition: dietary fiber, whole grain, gluten free, lutein and zeaxanthin. It is used in arepas, empanadas, hallacas, cachapas and bollitos. Pabellón Criollo: Rice, beans, tajadas (plantains) and shredded meats. Pernil: Venezuelan porkContinue reading “Cultural Humility: Venezuela”

Written and researched by Christabel Menezes *TW: mentions of sexual violence, starvation, trauma and residential schools. Residential Schools Federal government funded schools that forced Indigenous children into assimilation. These schools attempted to ‘educate’ and convert youth, assimilating them into white Canadian society. Approximately 150,000 Indigenous children attended these schools, with 6,000 found dead*. Psychological impact:Continue reading “Canada is guilty. AND SO ARE WE: Reexamining the nutrition experiments”