Prevention is better than a cure.
We are an Ontario registered non-profit that works downstream to create practical community-based interventions to address health disparities, and upstream to advocate for systems change & policy reform.
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Our mission to ensure better health outcomes for diabetic food bank clients. Meta-Lifeline collaborates with food security organizations to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact. Our main focus is empowering clients with chronic lifestyle-based health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and/or obesity, by providing access to health-appropriate food options and culturally inclusive education.
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
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.