Food Insecurity Increasing Locally
Written by Comms Team, December 11, 2023
Peterborough Public Health Reports 1 in 5 Households Are Struggling to Afford Food
Peterborough Public Health is sounding the alarm about rising food insecurity in our region after a new report shows that nearly 1 and 5 residents of Peterborough City and County are worrying about running out of money for food.
The 2023 Addressing Food Insecurity in Peterborough Report reveals that inadequate incomes are resulting in the highest rates of food insecurity our region has ever seen.
“It is no secret that the cost of food has gone up,” says Lauren Kennedy, Registered Dietitian at Peterborough Public Health. “Many people are really struggling to afford food, a basic human need. No one should have to choose between shelter or food, but this is a reality that is negatively impacting their physical and mental health.”
Although food prices have increased dramatically over the past year, insufficient income remains the key issue behind rising food insecurity. “This report documents the lived experience of too many members of our community. It is disturbing that nearly 20 percent of households worry about running out of money for food. This is the highest level we have ever seen,” says Kennedy.
Joan DiFruscia, Peterborough Food Action Network member and Chair of the Otonabee-South Monaghan Food Cupboard, has supported emergency food programs for over 40 years. Joan shares, “Food banks work hard to serve community members in need. But they are meant to be a temporary fix, not the solution. They do not address the root cause of food insecurity. Systemic change is urgently needed, and increasing income is key.”
“We encourage everyone in our community to speak up for more money for food,” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Raising incomes is the only way to prevent food insecurity. Now is the time to stand up for more money for food.”
The 2023 Addressing Food Insecurity in Peterborough Report can be found online at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/reports-and-data/
For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca