When people in our community can't afford nutritious food, it harms their health. Household food insecurity can lead to diseases like diabetes and heart disease. It can also cause mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. 

In Chatham-Kent, almost 1 in 4 households are food insecure. 

The Nutritious Food Basket (NFB) is used to show the cost of food for people and families in Canada. Ontario has its own NFB survey to collect local food cost data.  

CK Public Health uses the Ontario NFB to show the cost of food in Chatham-Kent (CK). CK Public Health then compares food costs to rent and income people have. Results show that some people in CK don't make enough money to afford food and housing. Many families don't have enough money for other needs. You can learn more in the 2025 Cost of Eating in CK Infographic.  

Note: NFB data was collected in May-June 2025, therefore results will not reflect any increases in food costs since that time.  

We need to find ways to help people have enough money to live comfortably. Here are some ideas we can support:  

• Giving people a basic income to help cover their needs. 
• Raising social assistance payments (i.e., Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program) so they match the cost of living. 
• Increasing minimum wage so that it matches the amount people actually need to afford daily life.
• Making housing, transportation, and childcare more accessible and affordable. 

• Learn more about household food insecurity 
  • The Cost of Eating in Chatham-Kent - 2025 Infographic
  • Food Insecurity in Chatham-Kent - 2024 Report 
• Talk with friends, family, and coworkers about the real reason behind food insecurity
• Speak up for solutions that focus on income