Food Insecurity

October 25, 2022 01:14 AM - Comment(s) - By communications

Vital Signs Data

Community
Location
Population
Sense of Belonging
Accessibility
Arts Culture Recreation
Quality of Life
Community Support
Economy
Sustainable Economy
Industry Composition
Income
Employment / Workforce
Poverty Reduction
Collaborative Impact
Education
Educational Attainment
Educational Support
Collaborative Impact
Environment
Climate Resilience
Protection of farmland
Food Security
About Food Insecurity
Food Programs
Collaborative Impact
Health
Health Characteristics
Healthcare Services
Housing
Household Characteristics
Affordable Housing
Owning
Renting
Homelessness
Safety
Community Safety
Transportation
Transportation Services
Collaborative Impact

About Food Insecurity

Updated July 24, 2025

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
SDG 2.1: End hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.

About
Factors
Impact on Health
How You Can Help
About

Prevalence of food insecurity

Food insecurity is a serious public health problem in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties (HPEC). The Real Cost of Eating Well in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Report, 2023, shows the prevalence of household food insecurity for HPEC is 23 per cent, significantly higher than the provincial estimate of 17.4 per cent.

food insecure households
Almost one in four households in Hastings Prince Edward has inadequate or insecure access to food due to financial constraints.

Food insecurity is not only defined by having insufficient amounts of food, but also a diet that is lacking in quality, variety, or desirability. Food insecurity is highly correlated with financial challenges but may also be caused by physical or logistical challenges in accessing or cooking nutritious food.


Food insecurity has historically been higher in Hastings Prince Edward (HPE) than the Ontario average. However, prior to the pandemic, HPE was making gradual progress in reducing food insecurity.

Based on a household’s experience, they can be considered food secure or in one of 3 categories of food insecurity:

Marginal food insecurity: Worry about running out of food and/or limited food selection due to a lack of money for food.

Moderate food insecurity: Compromise in quality and/or quantity of food due to a lack of money for food.

Severe food insecurity: Miss meals, reduce food intake, and at the most extreme go day(s) without food.

Factors

Factors

Food insecurity isn’t caused by a lack of food. It results from not having enough financial resources to afford sufficient healthy, nutritious food.  In Canada since 2019, food banks have seen a 90% increase in need in their various communities. (Food Banks Canada)

Rising food costs have the greatest impact on households with low income.

Canadian families of four could pay up to $800 more for groceries in 2025, the annual Canada Food Price Report predicts. Meat, vegetables, and fruit could jump by up to five per cent due to a weaker dollar and climate change.
Higher food costs have a greater impact on households with low incomes and on people who live with fixed incomes. (The Daily, Statistics Canada, Released: 2022-06-09)
Impact on Health

Impact on health

Lack of adequate nutritious food is a far-reaching problem. Poor diet quality and emotional strain negatively impact physical, mental and social health. (Community Food Centres Canada. Beyond Hunger: the hidden impacts of food insecurity)
In primary care, 1 dollar spent on nutrition interventions can save up to 99 dollars by reducing medication use, hospitalizations and freeing up physician time. (Canadian Malnutrition Task Force, Food in Healthcare)
Annual health care costs are 23-121% higher in food insecure households in Ontario.  Up to 1 in 3 hospitalized children are malnourished upon admission and at risk of further deterioration which is associated with longer length of stay, increased risk of complications and higher costs.
How You Can Help

How you can help

Volunteer or donate to a local food program -- food banks, community pantries, volunteer drivers for grocery deliveries, food prep and cooking, community gardens, community meals -- there are many ways to help. 

  • Participate in “Fresh for All”, a community of gardeners, businesses, organizations and individuals working together to share fresh food.
  • Donate toward food security through the Community Fund at The County Foundation 
  • Support local organizations that increase literacy levels andfinancial empowerment
  • Donate your Aeroplan Miles to help offset travel costs for Community Food Centre of Canada partners.
  • Send your MP a letter asking them to end disability poverty today!
  • Support the passing of Bill C-22 for an improved Canada Disability Benefit
  • Advocate for saving farmland from development.
Share -