One in four families struggles to put food on the table
Household food insecurity is rising in Simcoe Muskoka, with nearly one in four local households struggling to afford basic, nutritious food.
The 2025 Nutritious Food Basket survey shows a family of four needs over $1,280 a month just to cover essentials, while a single adult requires $446. Public Health experts warn that low incomes, unstable work, and rising living costs are forcing families to skip meals or buy lower-quality food, creating serious health risks.
In some cases, families on social assistance would have to spend nearly all their income on food and rent, leaving nothing for other basic needs. Health officials say long-term solutions require sustainable, income-based support, not just emergency food programs.

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