Rising food insecurity in Eastern Ontario: Causes, Impacts and solutions

SUBMITTED

Public health units across eastern Ontario are collaborating to raise awareness about the growing problem of food insecurity, which is having a profound impact on individuals and families in the region. Food insecurity is the inadequate or insecure access to food due to financial constraints. This issue not only threatens the physical and mental health of both adults and children, but also places increased pressure on health-care services.

Food insecurity is a widespread issue that is increasingly being seen at the regional, provincial, and national levels. In 2023, nearly one in four households (24 percent) experienced food insecurity in the eastern region of Ontario, a significant rise from 16 percent the previous year.

Public health units across the province monitor food affordability by comparing the costs of food and rent to various individual and household income scenarios. Findings from these scenarios show that an individual receiving Ontario Works in eastern Ontario struggles to afford both food and rent, with a monthly deficit ranging from -$263 to -$795. Data collected also indicates that low-income households face similar challenges and are unable to meet their basic needs after paying for rent, utilities, transportation, clothing, medications and other essentials.

Food insecurity is not a budgeting or lack of food skills issue; it is a direct result of inadequate income. Poverty is the root cause and addressing food insecurity requires systemic, income-based solutions to ensure people can afford the basic essentials of life. Income-based solutions could include: 

• Indexing social assistance rates to the cost of living, ensuring benefits keep pace with inflation and rising living expenses.
• Reassessing the existing income support programs for individuals with low-incomes, including child benefits and disability benefits.
• Expanding tax filing programs to ensure households living with low-incomes have access to eligible government subsidies.
• Enhancing employment standards to improve benefits and ensure livable wages for all workers.

Learn more about food insecurity and effective responses by visiting: https://proof.utoronto.ca/

For more information from your local public health agency, visit:

• Eastern Ontario Health Unit
• South East Health Unit, formerly:
  • Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
  • KFL&A Public Health
  • Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
  • Ottawa Public Health