Food insecurity continues to be a rapidly growing problem for Ottawa Valley residents, according to the latest reports.
The Renfrew County District Health Unit says their food affordability report for 2025 estimates that one in three households within the region does not have reliable access to safe and nutritious food due to financial constraints, up from one in six households in 2022.
RCDHU staff annually tracks local food costs by checking prices of common food items based on Canada’s Food Guide at nine area grocery stores and compares them with housing costs and various income scenarios to estimate household affordability.
Their findings show lower-income homes have little or negative income remaining after paying for food and rent and that even households earning minimum wage have limited funds left for other essentials such as utilities, transportation, medication, clothing, and child care.
People living with food insecurity face higher rates of chronic illnesses, as well as anxiety, stress, chronic pain, and skipped medications or medical appointments, leading to a greater strain on local healthcare services.
The RCDHU’s report says addressing food insecurity requires attention to inadequate income rather than the cost of food itself and that stronger income supports, higher social assistance rates, and enhanced benefits for low-income households are proven ways to reduce the issue over time.
(written by Kasey Egan)
