We are from
the community,
by the community,
for the community.
Our story
Hi! I’m Deena. I co-founded Meta-Lifeline with my sister, Dalia. Our family immigrated from Egypt to Canada with our two other sisters and mother in 2005. We grew up in Peel Living subsidized social housing in Brampton, Ontario. We often relied on food banks growing up, and so it was quite clear to see the evident connection between food insecurity and the health disparities that existed within the low-income community. Three years ago, my mother developed Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and high blood cholesterol. Our family doctor prescribed medications and a pamphlet about exercise and healthy eating. I quickly realized it wasn’t just about medication management and reading about lifestyle modifications because our environment and the social factors that contributed to her diagnosis remained the same. I struggled to find food banks and social support programs that not only addressed these gaps but also provided practical interventions for individuals like my mother in this situation.
When I realized this was chronically missing in my community, I decided to create Meta-Lifeline.
Overwhelming research shows:
2.4
Million Canadians are living below Canada’s Official Poverty Line
4.9x
more risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in food insecure households
95%
Of all diabetes cases are Type 2
593
Million people worldwide are expected to be affected by diabetes in 2035
Canada’s first food bank for chronic health conditions
Metabolic Trifecta Program
High Blood Sugar. High Blood Pressure. High Cholesterol. We call this the Meta-Trifecta™. Individuals with one of these conditions either have the other two or are at a much greater risk of developing them.
Here at Meta Lifeline, we understand that chronic diseases like Type 2 Diabetes require significant diet changes and that these lifestyle modifications can seem impossible to maintain. The onus is placed on the individual to overcome the many barriers they may face to accomplish and maintain a whole foods diet, moderate exercise, and minimizing everyday stressors.
For many low-income families, this feat becomes an undertaking of which they do not have the adequate resources and time for. This program empowers these individuals to gain control over their health outcomes by providing them with access to our whole foods food bank, resources, and the support of the Meta team.
We're working very hard to bring this program to you but capacity is limited so contact us to sign up for pre-registration and secure a spot today!
OUR PILLARS
We believe in meeting people where they are.
Education
Accessible knowledge translation and dissemination to empower health management.
Whole Foods Access
A selection of health appropriate foods that are low-medium in glycemic index, high in fibre.
Culturally Inclusive Support
Dedicated staff to help navigate the health care system and resources.
CONTACT
Let’s connect!
Whether you are interested in our program, becoming a volunteer, forming a partnership or just want to connect, please submit the form and we will respond shortly.