Many Canadians struggle to put food on the table

[arikara]

Five things about food insecurity in Canada

Over 4 million Canadians, including 1.15 million children experience some level of
food insecurity. For many Canadians, food plays a central role in the holiday festivities. But for those experiencing food insecurity, a bountiful feast will not be in the cards this year. Over 4 million Canadians, including 1.15 million children experience some level of food insecurity.

Food insecurity, also known as ‘food poverty,’ can cause significant anxiety over diminishing household food supplies and result in individuals modifying their eating patterns — adults skipping meals so children can eat or sacrificing quality food choices for cheaper, less healthy options, for example. Food insecurity also often results in physical hunger pangs, fatigue and lack of concentration and productivity at school, work or play.

Then there are the social impacts of food insecurity that most of us wouldn’t consider, such as not being able to invite friends and family to dinner or being unable to afford to meet people for coffee. Food poverty can also create stress and conflict in family relationships and meals are often not a happy gathering opportunity.

1. Food insecurity significantly affects health...

...more...

http://umanitoba.ca/outreach/evidencenetwork/archives/27769

[EllieBC]

1. I've watched prices at Superstore, Extra, and Save-On

go up sharply the last few years. Especially dairy and the last year, produce has been insane.

We basically make sure our kids have good food and often we just eat whatever is left or is super cheap.

[arikara]

3. I know

Its gotten ridiculous. Not only that, but so much now is imported out of places like China and we have no idea of what they are doing to it. I needed some frozen spinach and it took me 10 minutes to find the country of origin on it, in tiny print hidden under a flap. China. I wouldn't buy it.

Is it possible for you to grow some of your own food? Or forage? Things like dandelion greens, nettles, miner's lettuce, purslane have much more food value than anything you can buy in the store.

Oh... and welcome to DU!

[EllieBC]

5. Thanks for the welcome!

All the canned mushrooms are from China too. Ae we unable to process mushrooms here? It's sad we've lost so many of our processing plants.

[Fiendish Thingy]

2. The BOC sacrificed the Loonie to protect the housing market

Dropping interest rates twice last year, and not following the Fed when it increased rates last November. This tanked the Loonie, making food more expensive, as well as making mortgages more affordable. Many Canadians are in debt way over their heads, and the bubble will pop sooner rather than later. Hopefully, the BOC will gradually raise rates, bring the Loonie back in line and bring grocery prices down to earth.

[Lucky Luciano]

4. There has been a commodities crash you know...Canada cannot raise rates...

...unless you want to totally tank the economy. Unfortunately, Canada is highly dependent on expensive commodities and that ship has sailed.

[Fiendish Thingy]

7. Yup

Harper decided to bet the majority of the economy on energy and FIRE (finance, insurance, Real Estate), making up over 30% of the Canadian economy, compared to 15-20% in the US, and now Treaudeau, Poloz and Mordeau are left with only bad and worse choices. Mortgage rates will rise regardless of the BOC's rates, and combined with Canadian debt and rising unemployment, bring down the housing market; the only questions are how soon, and how quick and deep will the correction be?

[inanna]

6. Thank you for the post arikara

Poverty is one of the most important issues to me.

I'd give you a heart, but no money until payday.

So this will have to do...

[arikara]

8. It is to us as well

Poverty is hard on people at both ends of the age spectrum. The Mr needs to retire, he's sick and worn out but he's scared we won't have enough to get by on because he was screwed out of his pension for 20 years. We aren't extravagant, and we have a couple small pensions on top of CPP and OAP plus some savings so we're better off than many. Yet if something were to happen we could be in trouble. I really feel for the seniors without even that little cushion, as well as families too.

I really hope Trudeau steps up to the plate. There are a lot of people whose pensions were disappeared by some of these unscrupulous businesses, or couldn't afford to put anything away.

Thanks, backatcha. A is better than a heart any old day!

[laundry_queen]

9. It's a constant struggle

as a single parent w/4 kids...since I've been keeping track of prices in my area 6 years ago when I moved here, prices have gone up 30-40% at least. Dairy, meat and vegetables have gone up the most. The crazy thing is that 'cheap' foods that used to be on sale for really cheap now rarely even go on sale. Basically, I've been paying double for pasta compared to 6 years ago with sales. And while it's not a large part of my grocery bill and it's still comparatively cheap, it adds up. I'm lucky that I have a tiny bit of wiggle room in my budget, but just barely. We have cut out a lot of meat...which is tough because I do best when I do low carb so it's been hard on my health. I bought a pressure cooker and we do more cooking from scratch...which is hard when you don't get home from work til 6pm. I have older kids that can start the meal cooking but they aren't always willing (or available). I have been trying to stick to cheaper veggies...cabbage, carrots, onions etc. Asparagus is one of my kids' favorites, but it's a no-go for now as it's way overpriced. same for fruit. Even grapes for snacks have gotten ridiculous, so no grapes either. Apples and bananas. More frozen stuff now too.

I can't even imagine what people do when they have no wiggle room. I know if I lost my job it would be impossible, even with child support/EI & other gov't programs. I do think more needs to be done. No one should go hungry in Canada.