A new report is shining a light on the cost of healthy food and the struggles facing low-income residents.
The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit has released its annual report on food affordability with the cost of healthy eating in Chatham-Kent rising to $203.59 for a week’s worth of groceries, up from $193.31 the year before.
The tally for the Nutritious Food Basket survey, averaging costs of 67 items across six groceries stores in Chatham-Kent, includes items belonging to the food groupings found in Canada’s Food Guide, and does not include things like processed food, snacks, and baby foods.
In 2019, 2422 households received Ontario Works each month, including over 2000 children under the age of 18.
Officials say when money is tight, the family’s food budget is often the first thing to get cut in favour of other expenses like child care, rent, and other basic needs.
Studies have shown poor diet increases the risk of infectious and chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer; and kids in low-income households are more likely to get sick and struggle in school.
The Health Unit says there are ways for average residents to help – by advocating for better food security and supporting local businesses that pay staff a living wage.