The Health Unit’s annual look at Food Insecurity and the Nutritious Food Basket speaks as a sign of the times.
Dr. Linna Li, Medical Officer of Health says food insecurity is a serious public health problem because health is tightly linked to what food is available.
Each year, the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit assesses the average cost of a nutritious diet by pricing a variety of foods across local grocery stores. This includes staples like milk, vegetables, grains, and proteins recommended by Canada’s food guide. Findings reveal that people facing food insecurity often struggle to afford nutritious food after covering essential expenses like rent and bills.
Dana Douglas, Registered Dietitian and Public Health Nutritionist says some people are strapped.
Douglas says the latest numbers show the average monthly cost of a nutritious food basket in LGL for a family of four was $1196 as of June 2024. That doesn’t work if that family is on Ontario Works.
You can get more information from the health unit by clicking below.
Listen to the complete interview below.