Nutritious Food Basket 2015 Results Report to Every Kid in Our Community December 2015

What is the Nutritious Food Basket? Ontario’s standardized food costing tool that measures the cost of healthy eating – Annually costs 67 food items in local grocery stores Represents nutrition recommendations and average food purchasing patterns Results are used to: – Compare food cost to income for individuals and families Monitors affordability & accessibility of food – Provide insight into proportion of income required for healthy eating & amount left for basic needs (e.g., rent, childcare, transportation, etc.)

What is the cost of food in LGL? For a family of 4 2 adults; – ages children; – girl age 8 – boy age 14 For 1 adult male Age $845 per month$284 per month

Cost of Food: % increase in food costs from

Food Costs, Income & Basic Needs For a family of 4 on Ontario Works $2196 – Monthly Income -$845 – Food -$976 – Rent $375 – Remaining After food & rent are paid – family of 4 on OW has $375 left for other expenses – Electricity, clothing, laundry, transportation, child care, toiletries, school supplies, etc.

Food Cost, Income, Basic Needs Food/Rent Left for basic needs Single Parent 2 Children Ontario Works Family of 4 1 Full-Time Minimum Wage Earner 1 Person Ontario Disability Support Program 1 Person Old Age Security Guaranteed Income Supplement $525 $1465 $190 $1000 $1060 $1820 $620 $925

When funds are limited Food becomes a “discretionary” expense Food budgets are often cut to pay for other fixed costs (e.g., rent) Meals are skipped Food Costs, Income & Basic Needs

Food Insecurity When people do not have access to enough food to eat that is safe, nutritious, culturally appropriate and obtained in ways that make them feel good about themselves and their families Increases risk of: chronic disease, low birth weight, poor nutritional health, poor learning & productivity Inadequate income is the root cause of food insecurity & poor health

What are the solutions? On a societal level – Sufficient income to meet basic needs and live with dignity, regardless of work status – Affordable housing policies – Accessible & affordable childcare – Accessible & affordable transportation

What can you do? On an individual level – Learn more about the root causes of hunger – Talk to your neighbours, coworkers, elected officials and community groups about the root causes of hunger – Support healthy eating programs like the Good Food Box, Student Nutrition Programs, etc. – Donate healthy foods to the food bank

Questions Thank you!