Food Insecurity
Food insecurity is a public health issue
Household food insecurity is a well-recognized public health issue in Ontario and Canada.
When money is tight, people are forced to cut into their food budget to pay for other non-negotiable living expenses, such as rent and utilities.
This is household food insecurity: inadequate or insecure access to food because of financial constraints.
Food insecurity in northwestern Ontario
Not being able to afford a nutritious diet can seriously affect the health of individuals, families and our communities.
Registered Dietitians from Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) measure the cost of food across our region using the Ontario Nutritious Food Basket tool. The average cost of food and local rent is then compared to different household income scenarios in our Cost of Eating Report. These scenarios support existing evidence that shows the root cause of food insecurity is income, not food
To learn more, read, download, and share our 2023 report on The Real Cost of Eating Well in Northwestern Ontario
Income-based solutions to address food insecurity and poverty reduction
Income-based solutions are needed to address food insecurity and poverty reduction.
- Adequate social assistance, disability rates, and minimum wages that reflect the actual cost of living
- Basic Income Guarantee
- Affordable housing policies and infrastructure
- Employment stability, security, and benefits
- Accessible and affordable childcare
Learn more about food insecurity
To learn more, check out the following resources:
- Fork in the Road – Feed Ontario
- No Money for Food is… Cent$less – Ontario Dietitians in Public Health
- PROOF: Household Food Insecurity in Canada
- Household Food Insecurity Snapshot – Public Health Ontario
- Ontario Living Wage Network
- Hunger Count – Food Banks Canada
For questions about food insecurity in northwestern Ontario or for more details about the Cost of Eating report, please email nutrition@nwhu.on.ca.