Food and Eating
Food is a big part of our lives. Eating a variety of foods can help your body get the nutrients it needs. Food also brings people together and is a way to enjoy time with family and friends.
There are many reasons why people eat the way they do. Your choices might depend on:
- What you like or dislike
- How much money you have to spend
- Your health needs
- Your culture or traditions
- Your family and friends
Where can I learn more about food and eating?
- Check out Canada's Food Guide to learn more about balances meals and snack
- Visit UnlockFood for nutrition information and recipes
- Discover local food programs and services that are available in Oxford and Elgin St. Thomas
- Check out our page on eating well at every life stage
- Learn more about our food and eating in school
- Find out more about food insecurity in our community
Nutrition services by Registered Dietitians
Registered Dietitians are available for free in the community to help support you with food and eating related concerns. A listing of Registered Dietitian services can be found below. You can also reach out to Health811 (previously Telehealth Ontario) to speak to Registered Dietitian by dialing 811 or calling 1-877-797-0007.
Nutrition services in Oxford County
Alexandra Hospital – Ingersoll
Address: 29 Noxon St., Ingersoll
Phone: 519-485-9611
Website: alexandrahospital.on.ca
Services:
• Nutrition counselling (individual support, 18+, referral required)
• Diabetes education (Type 1, Type 2, gestational diabetes, prediabetes)
• Prediabetes group classes available
Referrals: Self-referrals welcome for diabetes education.
Health811
Phone: Call 811 (TTY: 711)
Website: health811.ontario.ca
Services: Free nutrition counselling with a Registered Dietitian by phone or chat.
Eligibility: Ontario residents.
Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 9am–5pm; Tues/Thurs 9am–9pm.
Oxford County Community Health Centre (OCCHC) – Woodstock
Address: 301–35 Metcalf St., Woodstock
Phone: 519-539-1111 ext. 208
Website: oxchc.ca
Services:
• Nutrition counselling (all ages)
• Cooking classes and group programs
Eligibility: Oxford County residents without access to a Registered Dietitian through primary care or insurance.
Cost: Free. Self-referrals welcome.
Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) – Muncey
Address: 77 Anishinaabeg Dr., Muncey
Phone: 519-289-0352
Website: soahac.on.ca
Services:
• Nutrition counselling (all ages, individual and group)
• Diabetes education (Type 2, prediabetes, or at risk)
Eligibility: Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) individuals and families in London and surrounding First Nation communities. You do not need to be a patient.
STAR Family Health Team – Tavistock
Address: 80 Maria St., Tavistock
Phone: 519-655-2322
Website: starfht.ca
Services:
• Nutrition counselling (for patients)
• Group programs (Feeding Your Baby program open to the public)
Referrals: Self-referrals welcome.
Thames Valley Family Health Team – Woodstock
Address: 959 Dundas St., Suite 204, Woodstock
Phone: 519-537-6701
Website: thamesvalleyfht.ca
Services:
• Nutrition counselling (for patients)
• Online public programs: Heart Health, Sweet Talk: Managing Your Blood Sugars, Best Weight, and Intuitive Eating
Program Registration: Register online
Tillsonburg Hospital (Satellite of Alexandra Hospital)
Address: 167 Rolph St., Tillsonburg
Phone: 519-485-9611
Services: Diabetes education (Type 1, Type 2, gestational diabetes, prediabetes)
Eligibility: 18+ years. Self-referrals welcome.
Unlock Food (Online Resource)
Website: unlockfood.ca
Expert nutrition information developed by Registered Dietitians. Includes recipes, videos, and interactive healthy eating tools.
Woodstock Hospital – Ambulatory Care Services
Address: 310 Juliana Dr., Woodstock
Phone: 519-421-4233 ext. 2126
Website: woodstockhospital.ca
Services:
• Nutrition counselling (18+)
• Healthy Heart group class
• Diabetes education (Type 1, Type 2, gestational diabetes, prediabetes)
• Online Binge Eating Disorder program
Referrals: Self-referrals welcome. Serves Oxford County.
Nutrition services in St. Thomas & Elgin County
Central Community Health Centre (CCHC) – St. Thomas
Address: 359 Talbot St., St. Thomas
Phone: 519-633-7989 ext. 409
Email: eailles@centralchc.com
Website: centralchc.com
Services:
• Nutrition counselling (individual support)
• Group classes may be available (call for details)
Eligibility: Any age. You do not need to be registered with CCHC.
Service Area: Southwold, St. Thomas, Central Elgin.
Closing the Gap Healthcare Group – St. Thomas
Address: 10 Mondamin St., Unit 116, St. Thomas
Phone: 519-631-9866
Website: closingthegap.ca
Services: In-home nutrition counselling.
Eligibility: Referral required through Ontario Health at Home.
Service Area: St. Thomas and Elgin County.
East Elgin Family Health Team – Aylmer
Address: 424 Talbot St. W., Suite 1, Aylmer
Phone: 519-773-3715 ext. 136
Website: eefht.ca
Services:
• Nutrition counselling (for clinic patients)
• Public group programs: Group Lifestyle Balance; Managing Your Blood Sugars (in person or virtual)
Eligibility: Any age for counselling (must be a clinic patient). Group programs open to the public.
Service Area: Elgin County and St. Thomas.
Health811
Phone: Call 811 (TTY: 711)
Website: health811.ontario.ca
Services: Free nutrition counselling with Registered Dietitians by phone or chat.
Eligibility: Ontario residents.
Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 9am–5pm; Tues/Thurs 9am–9pm.
Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) – Muncey
Address: 77 Anishinaabeg Dr., Muncey
Phone: 519-289-0352
Website: soahac.on.ca
Services:
• Nutrition counselling (all ages; individual and group)
• Diabetes education (Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or at risk; group classes available)
Eligibility: Diabetes education is for individuals 18+. You do not need to be a patient.
Service Area: Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) individuals and families in London and surrounding First Nation communities.
St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH)
Address: 189 Elm St., St. Thomas
Phone: 519-631-2020 ext. 2408
Website: stegh.on.ca
Services:
• Diabetes education (individual support)
• Supports Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes (A1c above 10.0% or above 8.0% if using insulin), and gestational diabetes
• Pump therapy counselling
Eligibility: 18+ years. Referral required from a doctor.
Service Area: St. Thomas and Elgin County.
Thames Valley Family Health Team – St. Thomas Sites
Locations:
• Elmwood Family Health Centre – 417 Wellington St., St. Thomas
• Windermere Family Medical Centre – 460 Wellington St., St. Thomas
Phone: 519-631-5670 ext. 2251 (Reception ext. 2285)
Program Registration: Register online
Services:
• Nutrition counselling (for patients)
• Public group programs: Heart Health, Sweet Talk, Best Weight, Intuitive Eating
Service Area: St. Thomas and Elgin County.
West Elgin Community Health Centre (WECHC)
Main Site: 153 Main St., West Lorne
Phone: 519-768-1715
Website: wechc.on.ca
Services:
• Nutrition counselling (infants to seniors)
• Group programs (see website for current programs)
Eligibility: Any age. Self-referrals welcome. Services are free.
Service Area: No catchment restrictions.
West Elgin Community Health Centre – Diabetes Education Program
Locations:
• West Lorne – 153 Main St. (ext. 2301)
• Dutton Medical Centre – 156 Main St., Dutton (ext. 2301)
• Aylmer Diabetes Education Program – 424 Talbot St. W., Unit L9, Aylmer
Phone: 519-765-4797
Website: Diabetes Program Information
Services:
• Diabetes education and nutrition support
• Group classes available
• Supports Type 1, Type 2, gestational diabetes, prediabetes, or those at risk
Eligibility: 18+ years. Open to anyone.
Service Area: No catchment restrictions.
Unlock Food (Online Resource)
Website: unlockfood.ca
Trusted nutrition information created by Registered Dietitians. Includes recipes, videos, and interactive healthy eating tools.
Contact Us
Southwestern Public Health (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday)
St. Thomas Site
(Administrative office)
1230 Talbot Street
St. Thomas, ON N5P 1G9
Woodstock Site
410 Buller Street
Woodstock, ON N4S 4N2
Call us toll free: 1-800-922-0096
Email us
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