HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2009-10-21, Page 7News
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The Huron Expositor • October 21, 2009 Page i
Cost of eating healthy is tough on some families
Day Schwab
People living on low-income levels
are at a greater risk of developing
diabetes and heart disease because
they choose to purchase affordable
foods high in saturated fat instead
of more expensive healthier options,
according to a new report from the
Huron County Health Unit.
The Cost of Eating Well in Huron,
an annual report released last week,
shows that a week's worth of healthy
iceries< for a family of four costs
175.26.
The Health Unit conducted its Nu-
tritious Food Basket survey in May
with the co-operation of six Huron
County grocery stores and included
67 food items from. Canada's Food
Guide. The weekly sum does not
include extra costs for personal hy-
giene products.
The cost of buying healthy foods
has steadily increased 23 per cent
from 1999 until last year, while pro-
vincial social- assistance rates have
not seen the same increase.
This year, any increase in the cost of
healthy foods could not be accurately
tracked since the contents of the Nu-
tritious Food Basket were modified
to better reflect eating habits accord-
ing to Canada's Food Guide.
But public health dietician Amy
MacDonald says the message is
clear.
"This really shows that people
on a low income are at such a. dis-
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advantage when it comes to eating
healthy," she says. "They can't af-
ford to buy the healthiest foods pos-
sible and they just tend to buy foods
higher in calories, fat, sugar and so-
dium.
MacDonald says a healthy diet is
a major factor in
preventing the
risk of chronic
disease, stroke
and cancer.
Living expens-
es such as rent,
heat and hydro
may also prevent
low-income fami-
lies from buying
healthy foods
each week, Mac-
Donald says.
Seaforth and
Area Food Bank
chair Maureen
Spittal says the
results of the re-
port are not sur-
prising.
"Many times, hydro is more expen-
sive in the country," she says, add-
ing that she suspects things will
only get worse as winter approach-
es. "With all the costs of living, food
comes at the end."
The food bank, which gives out a
five-day supply of food including
milk, eggs and bread to people earn-
ing a low-income or receiving social
assistance, has experienced a steady
flow of patrons since its initial in-
crease last year.
Spittal says social assistance pro-
grams are proving to be inadequate
as food prices continue to rise.
According to the report, the num-
ber of Ontario Works cases in Huron
County has increased 40 per cent
from July 2008 to July 2009.
"It is impossible for some social
assistance recipients to pay all nec-
essary expenses and have enough
money left to eat a nutritious diet,"
the report states.
The term "food security" is refer-
enced in the report as existing when
"all people, at all times, have access
to sufficient, safe and nutritious food
to meet their dietary needs and food
preferences for an active and healthy
life."
When one or more of these factors
are missing, families are living with
food insecurity.
"Poverty and food insecurity are
often associated with obesity," the
report states. "This paradox can be
explained in part by food choices.
When families on a low income can-
not make their dollar stretch far
enough they are forced to choose in-
expensive, filling
foods and non-
rishables."
e
p To help offset
the cost of eat-
ing healthy, the
Health Unit
is offering the
Good Food Box
program. For
$15 per month,
a person of any
income level will
receive a box full
of locally grown
fruits and veg-
etables.
For more infor-
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You're invited to a seminar with
special guest speaker, Ken McCowan
from Credential Financial Strategies
Inc. Refreshments and door prizes will
be provided.
When: Nov 3, Tum -S: 30pm
Where: Betty Ccrdno Memorial Center
317 Huron St, Clinton
Cosi: Non-perishable donation
to the local foodbank
Credential'
Financial Strategies
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Communities Credit Union
Credential Financial Strategies Inc. is a member company under Credential Financial Inc.,
offering financial planning, life insurance and investments to members of credit unions and
their communities.tredential is a registered mark owned by Credential Financial Inc. and
Is used under licence.
•
mation about the .Good Food Box or
the Nutritious Food Basket survey,
call the Huron County Health Unit
at 1-877-837-6143.
MacDonald says that over the com-
ing weeks, the report will be sent out
to social service agencies and county
councillors.
"Hopefully, it encourages people
to advocate to make changes to pro-
mote poverty reduction strategies,"
she says.
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