On the heels of learning that the living wage in our region should be $20.06 per hour, the health unit is out with their annual Nutritious Food Basket data.
Leeds Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit Nutritionist and Dietician Danielle Labonte says it costs $1,130 to feed a family of four, leaving little for anything else especially for those on Ontario Works.
That leads to choosing less healthy food choices to save money, which can lead to health issues.
Labonte says way to address the issue would be to change the minimum wage to a living wage.
Labonte says there are other ways to help lessen the burden too.
The new minimum wage in Ontario is $16.55, far off the living wage mark. Labonte says housing issues have to be addressed too to lessen the burden. Paying less for housing would free up money for families to spend elsewhere, including on food. Labonte realizes that’s the tip of the iceberg.
In short, it’s a familiar refrain: all levels of government must come together to ensure everyone has access to shelter and food.
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