Social nutrition in the perinatal context is a comprehensive, socially engaged approach aimed at reducing nutritional inequity during pregnancy and early childhood. This approach leverages theories and methodologies from the sociology of inequalities to address the social, cultural, organizational, political, legal, and educational barriers to optimal perinatal nutrition and health. Researchers will discuss foundational principles and the use of transdisciplinary approaches oriented toward social change, employing quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methodologies rooted in the sociology of inequalities and nutrition. A registered dietitian from Alima, Perinatal Social Nutrition Centre in Montreal, will present a successful practical application of their distinctive, transdisciplinary approach. This approach supports pregnant women in vulnerable situations by adapting nutritional responses to their specific needs, considering a range of health determinants, and utilizing existing health and community resources to reduce poverty and improve health outcomes. The session will engage the audience in discussions about the relevance of social nutrition to research and practice in nutrition, the advantages and obstacles to its adoption, and other conceptual and practical questions.
Elise Carbonneau is a registered dietitian, assistant professor at the School of Nutrition at Université Laval, and a researcher affiliated with the NUTRISS and INAF research centers. Her research program uses mixed methods to study interventions and strategies that have the potential to improve the empowerment of individuals living in vulnerable situations in order to facilitate the adoption of healthy eating habits. Her program is divided into two areas studied in the context of vulnerability: the study of perinatal nutrition interventions and the study of adaptive eating behaviours.