Food Insecurity Part Two

Based on responses to the Canadian Income Survey, an estimated 18 per cent of households in Haliburton County are experiencing food insecurity. In fact, one in four cannot afford to buy the food they need to maintain good health. Food insecurity, a direct sign of poverty, has doubled in recent years, with more people turning to food banks to fill the gaps.Since late 2024, five Ontario communities – Toronto, Mississauga, Kingston, Smiths Falls and Cochrane have declared food emergencies. While symbolic, the declarations are aimed at raising awareness and advocacy at the provincial and federal government levels to address food insecurity.CanoeFM recently spoke to a number of local officials and organizations to learn more about food insecurity and food emergencies. In Part One of our series, we learned about what factors contribute to declaring a food emergency and the impact of food insecurity on adults and children. In Part Two, we'll learn what's being done locally to address the issue and what the future may hold in Haliburton County.