The Cost of Eating Well
Every year, we visit 12 local grocery stores to determine the cost of eating well using the Nutritious Food Basket.
In 2023, the monthly cost of following Canada's Food Guide for a family of four in our district was $1,202.
Year after year, results show it is very difficult, in some cases impossible, for low income households to pay for the costs of living, including food.
What is Food Insecurity?
Food insecurity means a household doesn’t have enough money to buy food.
It can range from worrying about running out of food, to filling up on cheaper, less nutritious foods, to skipping meals or going without eating.
The root cause of food insecurity is poverty.
It’s a serious public health problem.
Nearly 1 in 4 households in our district experience food insecurity.
Living with food insecurity can lead to higher risk of many chronic health issues in adults, such as:
- diabetes
- heart disease
- chronic pain
- poor oral health
- depression
- anxiety
It’s hard to manage chronic conditions without enough money for food.
Children are also at greater risk for health problems, particularly mental health problems that can last into adulthood.
It's an income problem.
The lower the household income, the more likely a household is to live with food insecurity.
Households who struggle to pay for food, also struggle to pay for the other costs of living.
The compromises food-insecure households make because they don’t have enough money, include, but go far beyond, food-related decisions. These households spend less on food and the other costs of living such as housing and transportation than food secure households.
People with employment |
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About 59% of food insecure households have income from employment. Due to low wages, part time hours, and lack of benefits, having a job doesn't always provide enough money for the costs of living, including food. |
People receiving social assistance |
| About 70% of households relying on social assistance in Canada are food insecure. They are also much more likely to live with severe food insecurity, which is associated with the most the greatest risk of poor health. |
2023 Income Scenarios |
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These scenarios show the cost of eating well and local rent rates, compared with various household types and sources of income. |
Food-based programs do not reduce food insecurity because it is an income problem much bigger than just food.
Taking Action
What You Can Do
Share this information about food insecurity and help break down myths about people living in poverty.
Food Insecurity Key Messages for Social Media
Social media images:
- Food insecurity = not enough money for food 1080 x 1080, 1200 x 628
- Paying for food is just the tip of the iceberg 1080 x 1080, 1200 x 628
- Food insecurity leads to poor health 1080 x 1080, 1200 x 628
- Food insecurity is an income problem 1080 x 1080, 1200 x 628
- Social assistance rates do not reflect the costs of living 1080 x 1080, 1200 x 628
Talk to local decision-makers about income policy solutions, like:
Can't find the words? A customizable letter template is available.
What We Do
At the Health Unit, we’re involved in ongoing public health advocacy. Below are some examples our advocacy efforts about the need for income solutions to reduce food insecurity in Ontario.
