Many Simcoe Muskoka residents do not have enough money to access sufficient and nutritious food that meets their needs and preferences for an active and healthy life. Household food insecurity (HFI) is the inadequate or insecure access to food due to financial constraints. It is a strong predictor of adverse health outcomes such as chronic diseases, mental health conditions, social and community well-being as well as life expectancy. It places a burden on our health care system. Household food insecurity touches the lives of many Ontarians, including 1 in 5 children which could have detrimental outcomes for early childhood growth and development, and problems that last into adulthood.
Household food insecurity is a persistent and serious public health, human rights and social justice issue that is on the rise nationally, provincially, and in Simcoe Muskoka. It requires income and policy solution-based action at all levels of government.
The health unit participates in local food insecurity and poverty reduction strategies and works with municipalities and community partners to increase awareness and knowledge about household food insecurity and the income and policy solutions that can reduce it.
We encourage you to:
- Increase your knowledge and awareness by checking out the information in the links below.
- Speak up and talk about household food insecurity within your networks – share key information and statistics on social media or through other opportunities.
- Get involved in local poverty reduction coalitions that address household food insecurity.
- Take action by advocating to the federal and provincial governments for policy interventions that target improving incomes for those most affected, specifically advocating for:
• Increasing social assistance rates
• Reducing income taxes for lowest-income households
• Increasing investment in the Canada Child Benefit
• Implementing basic income guarantees
• Enhancing legislation that support secure, quality jobs that pay livable wages and benefits
• Investing in attainable housing
Use the letter template from the Ontario Dietitians in Public Health for help getting started.
For more information about household food insecurity click here.
For local statistics visit our HealthStats page.
To learn more about SMDHU’s Nutritious Food Basket Survey and food affordability visit our website pages here.
Please reach out to us to find out more about collaborating on action to reduce household food insecurity.
Visit these additional links to find out more about effective strategies and actions taken to reduce household food insecurity:
