Food Insecurity

Full grocery basket sitting on the floor in the middle of a isle in a grocery store.

Video: Food Insecurity and Poverty

Sarah Tsang, Health Equity Coordinator, discusses the issues surrounding food insecurity and poverty in the HKPR District area.

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When families cannot afford to buy the food they want and need to maintain good health, they are food insecure. Food insecurity is a sign of poverty. Poverty keeps people from meeting their basic needs.

In 2020, based on the low-income measure, after tax (LIM-AT), 8.7% of Northumberland households, 10.2% of Kawartha Lakes households, and 12.9% of Haliburton households live in low-income. These families may struggle to buy food, pay for rent and other basic needs.

Food insecurity is a serious public health problem in Ontario, and across Canada. We need income-based solutions to reduce food insecurity.

Food Insecurity is a Serious Issue

Food insecurity puts people at risk for a wide range of health problems.

Adults who are food insecure are more likely to suffer from:

Diabetes
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Chronic pain
Anxiety
Depression

Children and youth experiencing food insecurity have poorer health and are at greater risk for depression and suicidal thoughts.

Being food insecurity makes it hard to manage existing health problems, which worsens the condition.

Food insecurity strains an already burdened healthcare system. People who are food insecure are more likely to be hospitalized, stay in hospital for longer and are more likely to be readmitted.

What does it take to reduce food insecurity? We need polices that improve people’s income.

Monitoring Food Insecurity in the HKPR District Area

Every year, we visit local grocery stores across our health unit region to find out the cost of eating well. We use a survey tool called the Nutritious Food Basket (NFB). Results of the NFB are used to calculate how much money would be left over for families after paying for housing and food. Our report presents nine income scenarios. In some scenarios the cost of living far exceeds what a family would earn.

Addressing Food Insecurity and Poverty in the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District area

Every year, the HKPR District Health Unit publishes a food insecurity report. The report highlights the struggles faced by low-income families to pay for basic necessities, such as housing and food, because incomes and social assistance rates are not keeping up with rising costs. View the report.

2024 2023 2022

What can you do to make a difference?

Educate Yourself

Learn more about the root causes of poverty and food insecurity. Understand that food charity programs cannot end food insecurity.

Simulate what it is like to be someone living on a low income and the difficult choices they must make to make ends meet.

Learn about racism and how it is plays a role in shaping and influencing our daily lives, including our values, beliefs and behaviours.

Read our health unit’s previous reports on food insecurity and poverty

Learn about food insecurity in Canada from PROOF

Promote Income-Based Solutions to Food Insecurity

Sign a petition or send letters to your political leaders. Tell them that you support a basic income guarantee and increases to minimum wage and social assistance rates.

Support free income-tax filing programs for low-income households so they do not miss out on any eligible tax benefits

Support Investments in Local Public Programs and Services

Programs and services such as affordable housing, transit and recreation programs, and subsidized childcare make life more affordable for community members and support residents living with low incomes.

Support Companies that Respect the Health and Dignity of Their Employees

Talk to local businesses and choose to buy their products and services.

Be Kind and Compassionate

Everyone has their own story. Don’t make judgements about people living in poverty. Respect all peoples no matter their skin color or other differences.

Additional Information

If you or someone you know needs immediate support with food, please see the list of resources below.