The cost of feeding a family in the capital has risen by more than 20% during the pandemic, according to a new Ottawa Public Health study.
According to Ottawa Public Health’s 2022 Nutritional Food Basket Survey, it costs at least $1,088 per month to feed a family of four in the city a healthy diet, up from $901 in 2019.
For those receiving Ontario Works financial assistance or singles living on income from the Ontario Disability Assistance Program, paying for goods such as fruits and vegetables means going into debt.
Researchers examined 61 nutritious foods in various categories between May 17 and June 6, 2022, at 14 stores in Ottawa (12 urban and 2 rural). stores) have tracked their prices.
Foods were selected using the updated Canadian Food Guide, covering four categories: vegetables and fruits, protein foods, whole grains, and fats and oils. This study did not include infant foods, processed foods, or allergen-free foods.
This year’s survey is the first since 2019. Ottawa Public Health suspended its 2020 and his 2021 investigations because of the pandemic.
A 2022 study found that “individuals and families living on a fixed or low income do not have enough money left over to pay their bills at the end of the month and put healthy meals on the table.” has consistently been shown,” the 2022 study revealed.
“Families often choose between fixed costs (such as rent and utilities), other necessities (such as clothing, childcare, medicines, transportation, and dental care), and grocery purchases.”
About one in seven households in Ottawa cannot afford healthy food, according to the report. These households often face associated challenges such as poor mental health, chronic health conditions, increased infection rates, poor dental health and injuries, the study said.
Public health officials have made many recommendations to make food more affordable. The agency calls for more social assistance benefits, jobs that pay a living wage, basic income, affordable housing, public childcare and reduced income taxes for low-income families.
Public health officials also recommend free tax filing support in the city.
