KFL&A Public Health Released the Cost of Eating Healthy Report

Kingston, ON – Each year, KFL&A Public Health measures the cost of eating healthy in our area.  This year, the cost to eat healthy for a family of four (two adults, two children) is approximately $955 per month. 

“Year after year, the results of the food costing show that people living in households with a fixed or low-income struggle to pay rent, bills and to put healthy food on the table,” said Rachael Mather, Registered Dietitian at KFL&A Public Health. “For many people, the choice is not between a no name and name brand product, but rather between eating and going hungry”.

Approximately, 13% of households in KFL&A area live with food insecurity, meaning that they cannot afford to buy the food they want and need for good health. Everyone deserves the right to adequate, healthy, safe, affordable and culturally appropriate food. Income-based strategies such as guaranteed annual income and changes to social assistance rates will help to address poverty, which is the root cause of food insecurity.

Share the Cost of Eating Healthy in KFL&A information with peers, colleagues, and partner agencies, and consider getting involved in opportunities to support income-based strategies that address poverty and promote access to healthy food for all.

The Nutritious Food Basket survey tool is used to measure the cost of eating healthy in the KFL&A area.  The survey includes 67 food items that reflect a healthy eating pattern from Canada’s Food Guide.  For more information about the nutritious food basket, food insecurity and its affect on health, and the details of the cost of eating healthy based on household size and income, visit kflaph.ca/CostofEatingHealthy.