The Cost of Eating Well

What is food insecurity?

Food insecurity happens when your household doesn’t have enough money to buy nutritious food. In the Southwestern Public Health region, this is a reality for many families. In 2021-2022, 19.2% of households in our area faced food insecurity — that’s nearly 1 in 5 families.

What causes food insecurity?

For families with low or unreliable incomes, paying for basic needs can be tough. After covering essentials like:

• Rent and utilities

• Transportation

• Childcare

• Medical costs

• Personal care items

There often isn’t enough left for food. When budgets are tight, you or your family members might:

• Skip meals

• Eat smaller portions

• Go long periods without food

Why does food insecurity matter?

Food insecurity affects your physical and mental health. Without enough nutritious food:

• Children are more likely to get sick and struggle in school

• Adults are more likely to develop chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer

What are the solutions to food insecurity?

Ending food insecurity means making sure families have enough money to live. Some ways this can happen are:

• Jobs that pay a living wage and offer benefits

• Social assistance programs that cover real living costs

• A basic income guarantee to provide financial security

How can you help reduce food insecurity?

Here are ways you can make a difference:

• Learn more about local food insecurity: Read the 2023 Food Report (PDF) on food insecurity and poverty in Oxford, Elgin, and St. Thomas.

• Get involved locally: Support the Elgin-St. Thomas Coalition to End Poverty.

• Spread the word: talk to your family and friends about household food insecurity and income solutions.

What are additional resources on food insecurity?

• Read more about Livable Wages

• Learn about a basic income guarantee

• Read the Zero Poverty Plan in Oxford County