Survey finds 1 in 6 Simcoe Muskoka households are experiencing some level of food insecurity – Barrie | 24CA News

A brand new survey from the well being unit is exhibiting how the rising price of dwelling is inflicting extra individuals within the Simcoe Muskoka space to must pinch pennies in the case of wholesome meals.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s 2022 Nutritious Food Basket survey exhibits that extra residents are discovering it troublesome or almost not possible to place fundamental wholesome meals on the desk.

The annual survey measures how a lot it prices residents all through the area to buy a fundamental nutritious diet.

“The struggle to put food on the table is real for many of our residents – one in six households are experiencing some level of food insecurity,” mentioned Vanessa Hurley, public well being nutritionist and registered dietitian.

“Without access to nutritious foods, people may begin to experience negative health outcomes that can last a long time and even a lifetime.”

The 2022 survey confirmed that it prices $1,159.92 for a household of 4 and $419.00 for a single-person family to purchase fundamental groceries for the month.

The well being unit mentioned in an announcement that for a lot of dwelling with decrease incomes, the price of wholesome meals and hire makes use of most or, in some instances, all of their revenue.

The survey confirmed a household of 4 with one full-time earner making minimal wage is spending 66 per cent of their revenue on meals and hire, whereas a single grownup dwelling alone on Ontario Works is spending 161 per cent of their revenue, with no cash left over for non-negotiable dwelling bills like utilities or transportation.

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The well being unit mentioned the impacts of meals insecurity make these experiencing it extra prone to have poor bodily and psychological well being, diabetes, hypertension and despair; for kids, they’re extra prone to develop bronchial asthma and psychological well being circumstances.

Health officers additionally say the consequences of meals insecurity place a considerable burden on the health-care system, leading to elevated prices that influence everybody.

“What we need are policies and programs at all levels of government that reduce poverty and help people afford basic healthy food and the cost of living,” says Hurley.

“This includes increased social assistance rates, jobs that pay a living wage, and more affordable housing options in our communities. We need to reduce household insecurity rates in our communities – it affects us all and we all have a role to play.”

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