What is food insecurity?
Food insecurity is not having enough money for food. For people living on low incomes, it can be hard to make ends meet. After paying for rent and food, they still have to pay for other basic expenses such as:
- Heat, hydro, phone, internet
- Clothing
- Transportation
- Childcare
- Personal care items
- Medical costs
When money is tight people often cut their food budget to afford other basic expenses. They may eat a less healthy diet or skip meals.
Why does food insecurity matter?
Without enough food, children are more likely to get sick and struggle in school and adults are more likely to develop heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
All people should have access to enough food. However, almost 1/10 households in Elgin St. Thomas and 1/16 households in Oxford Woodstock don’t have enough money for food.
The problem isn’t the cost of healthy food. The problem is that people don’t have enough money to afford food. Income solutions are needed:
- Jobs with a Livable Wage and benefits
- Social assistance rates that reflect the true cost of living
- A Basic Income Guarantee
What can you do?
- Spread the word: talk to your family and friends about food insecurity
- Write a letter to your local MP or MPP about food insecurity
- Get involved during elections – your vote matters!