By Rosalind Russell – With the increase in the cost of living, the results of Algoma Public Health’s 2023 Nutritious Food Basket survey may come as no surprise.
Health unit registered dietitian, Sarah Devine, says the agency carries out the survey at eight grocery stores across the district to obtain 61 basic food items as laid out by Canada’s Food Guide.
She says it does not include infant formula and food, foods for special diets, prepared foods, restaurant meals, and personal and household care items.
Devine says the results show it costs $1,180.92 a month to feed a family of four (two adults and two children) and $423.32 a month to feed a single person household representing a 6.86% increase in food costs since 2022.
She adds food insecurity is high in the district with around 20% of households experiencing food insecurity, so policies to improve income, lowering income tax rates and increasing social assistance are needed to address the concerns.
For the complete report, go to: aph-food-affordability-insecurity-report.pdf (algomapublichealth.com)
Photo: An overview of food costs in the Algoma District shows a big rise in food costs and insecurity. Poster provided by PHA.
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