Public health units are coming together across southwestern Ontario, raising concerns of food insecurity. Five region health units are raising concerns about the growing number of homes unable to put food on the table. In 2024, one in four homes in the area experienced food insecurity and didn’t have reliable access to food due to financial struggles. The health units say rising housing and living costs are forcing many to choose between paying rent or buying groceries. The health units involved are the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, Southwestern Public Health, Middlesex London Health Unit, Huron Perth Public Health, and Grey Bruce Public Health. “Household food insecurity is linked to poorer physical and mental health, higher risk of chronic disease, and increased pressure on the healthcare system,” a news release read. “Among children and youth, it impacts concentration, memory, mood, and motor skills, making it harder to succeed in school. Many households are relying on emergency food programs or facing impossible trade-offs, such as skipping meals.” It continues, saying those with low or modest-income struggle covering their basic needs, but for those on Ontario Works, or similar programs, it becomes even harder to cover everything, even while being frugal. In 2024, those on Ontario Works faced a month deficit ranging from $301 to $859. Other households with low income face similar problems, often being left with little or no money to cover other needs at the end of the month, like transportation, utilities, childcare, clothes, and medication. The public health units are proposing action by: Increasing social assistance rates, including Ontario Works Improving income supports for low and modest-income households Implementing policies that reduce the cost of housing and essential living expenses. “Food insecurity is not about budgeting or food skills, it’s about income,” said Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, medical officer of health with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. “When people don’t have enough money, they cannot meet their basic needs, which directly impacts their health and wellbeing.” In June, the Association of Local Public Health Agencies recommended that the provincial government raise Ontario Works.
