The Perth County District Health Unit says the cost of eating healthy rose in 2015.
The Nutritious Food Basket Survey of six local grocery stores, looked at the average cost to buy 67 healthy food items, including vegetables, fruit, meat, bread, eggs and milk.
The cost to feed a family of four adds up to $211 a week. That's an increase of $16.45 per week from 2014.
One in five low income households in Perth County is food insecure. That can lead to learning difficulties, poorer mental health, and increased risk of chronic disease like diabetes and heart disease.
“This annual survey repeatedly shows that people with low incomes struggle to afford enough healthy food for themselves and their families,” says Public Health Dietitian Natalee Ridgeway. “People must often pay fixed expenses like rent and hydro first, leaving little left for food. This may result in skipping meals, buying cheaper, less nutritious foods, and food insecurity.”
