2012 Food Costing Report: Many Nova Scotians cannot afford to eat healthy

HALIFAX, May 9, 2013 /CNW/ - According to a study released today at Mount Saint Vincent University, the health of many Nova Scotians may be at risk because they simply cannot afford to eat healthy.

The 2012 Participatory Food Costing report suggests that families and individuals relying on minimum wage earnings or Income Assistance are at significant risk of experiencing food insecurity. According to the report, the average monthly cost of a basic nutritious diet for a household of four with two adults and two children in Nova Scotia was $850.59 as of June 2012. This is an increase of, on average, $79.94 per month since 2010.

"Food insecurity occurs when individuals struggle to access enough food for an active, healthy life," says Dr. Patty Williams, Canada Research Chair in Food Security and Policy Change, Director of FoodARC and Associate Professor of Applied Human Nutrition at the Mount. "As the cost of a basic healthy diet continues to rise, more Nova Scotians are becoming at risk of the negative physical, mental, and social health effects of compromised nutrition."

"In households with inadequate incomes, the food budget is the most flexible and is often used to cover other fixed costs such as shelter, power, and transportation," says Dr. Williams. "Our current system supporting families most at risk is not adequate and we see that reflected in the difficult decisions they are being forced to make."

The report highlights the need for further examination of income and income supports to ensure that all citizens receive an adequate livable income. It also suggests that social policies directed toward food security are needed to ensure that all Nova Scotians have adequate resources to access a basic nutritious diet for their health and well-being.  In countries where there are strong policies in place that minimize social and income inequality, the result is a healthier population and a more peaceful and productive society overall.

SOURCE: Mount Saint Vincent University

Ben Boudreau, Public Affairs
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