Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) is a community based initiative federally funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada 

This year we are celebrating 25 years of Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) programs in Ontario. These programs help to improve the health of pregnant women, new mothers and their babies. In Ontario, there are approximately 80 CPNP Programs, to find one near you visit: https://cpnp-pcnp.phac-aspc.gc.ca/en/provincial-search

Girls Inc. of Durham is the administrator of CPNP for Durham Region known as Food ‘4’ Thought. A drop-in program for pregnant teens and new young mothers up to age 26 operated at seven sites throughout Durham Region.

Food ‘4’ Thought drop-ins provide a safe, friendly environment where women can obtain advice from health care providers and other moms, get materials on health and wellness, and receive fresh fruit and vegetables, milk, and prenatal vitamins. The program goal is to enhance maternal and fetal health by reducing the risks for pregnant women who may have food security issues. Women may come to a site any time during their pregnancy and continue to receive support until their infants are 6 months of age. The program focuses on nutrition so as to reduce the incidence of low birth weight, increase the number of breastfeeding mothers, provide linkages to other community services and improve the health and well-being of moms.

For more information please contact Tracey McCannell at 905-428-8111 ext 222 or email tmccannell@durham.girls-inc.org

All About Food 4 Thought

Rose of Durham – Oshawa
707 Simcoe  Street, Oshawa
Monday 3:00 – 5:00 PM Rose of Durham Flyer

North Oshawa Site: Gordon B. Attersley P.S. Hub Room
1110 Attersley Dr. Oshawa
Tuesday 1:00 – 3:00 PM North Oshawa Flyer

Ajax Site: CAREA Health Services (formerly known as The Youth Centre)
5-360 Bayly Street West, Ajax
Wednesday 2:00 – 4:15 PM Ajax Flyer

South Oshawa Site: YWCA Durham OEYC – Oshawa
1 McGrigor Street, Oshawa
Thursday 1:00 3:00 PM South Oshawa Flyer

Uxbridge Site: Baptist Church
231 Brock Street West, Uxbridge
Monday 11:30 – 1:30 PM Uxbridge Flyer

Cannington Site: Trinity United Church
50 Laidlaw Street North, Cannington
Tuesday 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Closed during the summer months Cannington Flyer

Beaverton Site: St. Andrews United Church
523 Simcoe Street, Beaverton
Tuesday 12:30 – 2:30PM
Closed during the summer months Beaverton Flyer

Breast Feeding Clinic Services:

  • Breastfeeding referrals will continue to be accepted from the PHD
  • All clients will receive a telephone assessment by a PHN
  • Clients may be booked for virtual or telephone breastfeeding support to address immediate needs

Clients can also continue to access telephone support and information through the Durham Health Connection Line 1-800-841-2729 or online at www.durham.ca/health

below a list of resources on health that might be useful
  1. Public Health Ontario: Maternal and Infant Health – https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/Health-Topics/Health-Promotion/Maternal-Infant-Health
  2. Public Health Ontario: Child and Youth Health – https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/Health-Topics/Health-Promotion/Child-Youth-Health
  3. Public Health Ontario: Healthy Eating – https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/Health-Topics/Health-Promotion/Healthy-Eating
  4. PHAC- Reports and publications – https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/reports-publications.html
  5. WHO – Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing – https://platform.who.int/data/maternal-newborn-child-adolescent-ageing/child-data
  6. Evidence related to the importance of infant and early mental health, investments https://developingchild.harvard.edu/