Everyone deserves access to healthy food. But for many people in Windsor and Essex County, buying enough food is a daily struggle.
Food insecurity happens when people do not have enough money to buy the food they need on a regular basis. It can affect anyone. People may have to choose between buying food and paying for other basics such as rent, hydro, transportation, or childcare.
People experiencing food insecurity may:
- Worry about running out of food
- Buy less food than they need
- Skip meals or eat smaller portions
- Go without food for periods of time
- Be unable to afford foods that meet their cultural, religious, or health needs
Household Food Insecurity in Windsor-Essex
Approximately 1 in 4 households (25.1%) in Windsor and Essex County experienced food insecurity between 2023 and 2025.
This means thousands of residents struggled to afford enough food because their income was not high enough to cover basic living costs
Food insecurity is about more than being hungry. It can affect physical health, mental health, learning, and overall well-being.
Research shows that people experiencing food insecurity are more likely to:
- Feel stressed, anxious, or depressed
- Have poorer physical health
- Visit hospitals more often
- Face challenges during pregnancy and early childhood
- Experience learning and development challenges
- Develop chronic health conditions later in life
Not for Everyone
In 2026, the average cost of groceries for a family of four in Windsor-Essex was $293.98 per week, or about $1,277 per month
For many households, food costs can be difficult to manage. This is especially true for people receiving social assistance, disability benefits, or low wages. After paying for housing and other bills, there may not be enough money left for food.
Lindsay's Story: Lindsay is pregnant and lives alone while managing a chronic health condition. Nearly 60% of her income goes toward rent, leaving limited money for food and other necessities. Despite wanting to eat well during pregnancy, she often struggles to afford balanced meals, leading to increased stress and declining physical and mental health.
Drew's Story: Drew is 40 years old and receives Ontario Works (OW). He is currently unemployed due to circumstances outside of his control. Drew tries to pick up work in the gig economy, but with the income claw back on OW, he is unable to get ahead. After accounting for all benefits received, the rent for his bachelor apartment takes up 109% of his income. As a result, he struggles to afford food and often relies on food banks and community meal programs. Even with this support, he continues to face severe food insecurity.
*For more information, data sources, and cost breakdowns for each case study see the Income Scenarios tab below.
Food costs are only one part of a household budget. People also need money for housing, transportation, childcare, clothing, internet, and other everyday expenses
The Income Scenarios below compare income, food costs, and housing costs for different household types in Windsor and Essex County.
The data:
- Uses Ontario and Canadian income programs and benefits
- Uses local food and housing costs
- Follows Ontario food affordability monitoring guidelines
The food basket reflects Canada's Food Guide. It does not include:
- Personal care items
- Foods needed for cultural or religious reasons
- Foods needed to manage allergies or medical conditions
- Traditional Indigenous foods and food gathering practices
Because of these limitations, actual food costs may be higher for many households
| Income | Cost of Food and Rent | Money left for Everything Else | % Income required for rent | % Income required for food |
| Family of Four Median Income: $10,507.00 |
$2,515.44 | $7,991.56 | 12% | 12% |
| Family of Four Minimum wage: $5,138.00 |
$2,515.44 | $2,622.56 | 24% | 25% |
| Family of Four Ontario Works: $2,989.00 |
$2,515.44 | $473.56 | 41% | 43% |
| One Person Ontario Works: $864.00 |
$1,389.94 | $-525.84 | 109% | 52% |
| One Person, Pregnant Ontario Disability Support Program: $1,590.00 |
$1,413.97 | $176.03 | 59% | 30% |
| Single Parent with Two Children Ontario Works: $2,969.00 |
$2,197.92 | $771.08 | 49% | 25% |
| Parent with infant (formula-fed) Ontario Works: $2,018.00 |
$1,996.05 | $21.95 | 72% | 27% |
| Parent with infant (Breast-fed) Ontario Works: $2,058.00 |
$1,914.52 | $143.48 | 71% | 22% |
The best way to end food insecurity is by addressing poverty
Food insecurity happens when people do not have enough income. It is not caused by a lack of food in the community.
Learn
- Learn more about the causes of poverty and food insecurity.
- Understand why food charity programs cannot end food insecurity.
- Learn about food insecurity in Canada through PROOF.
- Learn about racism and its impact on health and well-being.
Speak Up
- Support a Basic Income and stronger social assistance programs.
- Learn how to advocate for change.
- Encourage policies that reduce poverty and improve housing affordability.
Support Change
- Support employers that provide a living wage.
- Support investments in local public programs and services, including affordable housing, transit, recreation programs, and childcare.
- Use your voice to support policies that help people meet their basic needs
If you or someone you know is having difficulty affording food, support is available.
Visit our Food Affordability: Where to Get Help page to find information about local food programs, community resources, and income support services