Healthy food unaffordable for many Simcoe Muskoka residents

As the cost of living continues to rise at an unprecedented rate, results of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s (SMDHU) 2022 Nutritious Food Basket (NFB) survey show that more residents are finding it difficult to put basic healthy food on the table and for some, it is nearly impossible.

The NFB survey is an important tool to monitor food affordability. Conducted annually, the NFB survey measures how much it costs residents throughout the region to purchase a basic healthy diet. The 2022 survey showed that it costs $1159.92 for a family of four (two adult and two children) and $419 for a single-person household to buy basic groceries for the month.

For many individuals and families living with lower incomes, the cost of healthy food and rent uses most of their income, and in some cases, all or more. A family of four with one full-time earner making minimum wage, is spending 66 per cent of their income on food and rent, while a single adult, living alone on Ontario Works is spending 161 per cent of their income, with no money left over for non-negotiable living expenses like utilities or transportation.

“When people have no other option but to cut their food budget to pay for other essential fixed-expenses, they are experiencing household food insecurity,” said Vanessa Hurley, public health nutritionist and registered dietitian. “The struggle to put food on the table is real for many of our residents – one in six households are experiencing some level of food insecurity. Without access to nutritious foods people may begin to experience negative health outcomes that can last a long time and even a lifetime.”

Individuals living with household food insecurity are more likely to suffer from poor physical and mental health, diabetes, hypertension, and depression; for children, they are more likely to develop asthma and mental health conditions. The effects of food insecurity on the mental and physical health of residents places a substantial burden on the healthcare system, resulting in increased costs that impact everyone.

Household food insecurity is a serious public health issue that requires policy changes that work to improve the incomes of low-income households.

Contributed photo St. Luke’s Anglican Church hosted its first Soup of the Soul gathering on Saturday, Feb. 18 when the group led by Sharon McCormick (centre), with Sheila Koss (from left), Mary Rider, Sheila McCormick, Rev. Lorna May, Rev. Sharon Johnstone, and Sydney Lowe (not pictured) made a delicious hamburger soup. The next Soup for the Soul will be held at the church from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 22. Everyone welcome, including children 10 and older who are accompanied by a guardian. Bring a crock pot. St. Luke’s is also announcing the return of “double toonie lunch” beginning Wednesday, March 29. The popular lunch event will have the same monthly format, held the last Wednesday of every month, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., but will be by donation to the food bank.

“What we need are policies and programs at all levels of government that reduce poverty and help people afford basic healthy food and the cost of living,” said Hurley. “This includes increased social assistance rates, jobs that pay a living wage, and more affordable housing options in our communities.

We need to reduce household insecurity rates in our communities – it affects us all and we all have a role to play.”

For more details about the NFB survey, the issue of food insecurity and how it can be addressed please visit the health unit’s website at smdhu.org or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-7217520 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

– Submitted by Simcoe Muskoka District

Health Unit

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