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Health Units Shining a Light on Food Insecurity

Tuesday, 28 July 2026 at 06:17

By Cody Hayward

Photo Credit: Southwestern Public Health Facebook page

Southwestern Public Health is joining forces with other health units to shine a light on food insecurity in local households.

OXFORD - Southwestern Public Health is teaming up with other health units to tackle the growing number of food-insecure households in the local area.

The number of families who struggle to afford basic needs continues to grow. In 2024, one in four households in the region do not have reliable access to enough food due to financial challenges. Rising housing and living costs are forcing many individuals and families to make difficult choices between paying rent and buying groceries.

Household food insecurity is a serious but preventable public health issue. The Southwestern Public Health Unit says addressing it requires coordinated action at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels.

Household food insecurity can be linked to poorer health, and higher risk of disease. Children and youth can be hit the hardest as it impacts concentration, memory, mood, and motor skills, making it harder to succeed in school. 

In June 2026, the Association of Local Public Health Agencies passed a resolution recommending that the Ontario Government enhance the Ontario Works Benefit, by aligning the OW earned income exemption with the higher earned income exemption for the Ontario Disability Support Program.

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