FOOD FOR ALL
Imagine not having the money to put healthy food on the table and have enough left for rent and other basics like toilet paper, toothpaste, clothing, school supplies, child care fees, utilities, transportation, phone/internet and medical costs. This is the reality for almost 70,000 Simcoe Muskoka residents living with low income.
Low income and its impact on health in Simcoe Muskoka
Measuring the local cost of healthy eating
Year after year, health units measure how much it costs to eat a basic healthy diet. Nutritious Food Basket (NFB) results show that people who rely on social assistance or are earning minimum wage do not have enough money to buy basic healthy foods, and pay for rent and other basic needs. Food insecurity is an issue that continues to affect far too many people in Simcoe and Muskoka.
Household food insecurity in Simcoe and Muskoka
The Cost of Healthy Eating in Simcoe Muskoka
Community programs and supports such as meal programs and food banks that communities currently use to help people who can’t afford healthy foods are not the solution. People are still struggling to put food on their tables. Poverty is the root household food insecurity. Communities and governments should lead by example and provide long-term, income-based solutions like guaranteed basic income, affordable housing, increased minimum wage, and improved social assistance rates that are indexed to inflation.
For more information about household food insecurity and what can be done, see our No Money for Food is Cent$less initiative.
For more information about income and its impact on the health of those living with low income see health equity and the social determinants of health.
Need more information or want to find out how to support Food for All in your community?
Contact Health Connection: 1-705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, by email, or connect with us wherever you are on Facebook or Twitter.
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For this webpage (NMFFIC)
Be Aware
Learn about food insecurity rates in our country
Learn about food insecurity rates and the cost of healthy eating in Simcoe Muskoka. Learn about the Ontario Dietitians in Public Health position on household food insecurity.
Learn more about the impact on health, children, policy and more
