Food Affordability (Cost of Eating)

When incomes cannot cover the cost of food and other basic needs, there are severe negative impacts on physical health, mental health, the healthcare system, and overall social well-being, seen across the lifespan.

Not for Some

In Windsor-Essex, the weekly cost of groceries for a family of four in 2025 is $271.83. This works out to $1,181.08/month.

For people living on either the minimum wage, Ontario Works, or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), it is often difficult to make ends meet. After paying rent, these individuals must also pay for other necessities such as heat and hydro, transportation, car maintenance and gas, childcare, phone/internet, and other expenses. This means that often little money is left for buying food and people go hungry.

Case Study: Single, Pregnant Person

Lindsay is in her late 20s, lives on her own, and is expecting a baby. She is unable to work due to a chronic health condition and relies on the Ontario Disability Support Program for income. The cost of rent for her one-bedroom apartment takes up 57% of her monthly income. Lindsay tries to eat balanced meals to give her baby a good start. Due to her limited income, this is not always possible. She is finding that she often needs to choose between paying her bills on time or eating enough to not be hungry. Facing stress and anxiety about affording rent, food, and necessities for her baby, she notices her mental and physical health declining.

Case Study: Single Person

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 101% of his income. Drew worries about losing his housing and is unable to pay for food. Despite the temporary relief he gets from visiting food banks and meal programs, he is still severely food insecure and sometimes goes for a few days without eating.

*For more information, data sources, and cost breakdowns for each case study see the Income Scenarios tab below.

These income scenarios are based on income and benefits in Ontario and Canada, and Windsor and Essex County Food and Housing Costs (October 2024).

This data was collected as part of pilot testing of an updated process to monitor food affordability in Ontario. The 61 food items costed are based on the 2019 National Nutritious Food Basket and reflect Canada’s Food Guide. Data does not include: non-food items, foods that may be needed to meet cultural or religious needs, or foods to manage disease conditions, allergies, or intolerances. The ONFB is based on the most recent Canada's Food Guide, which is not reflective of all religious and cultural groups, as well as traditional Indigenous foods and food procurement practices. The WECHU recognizes this as a significant limitation of this data collection.

After paying for just housing and food, low- and fixed-income earners have very little, if any, money left over to cover their basic living necessities. This includes: heat and hydro, personal hygiene products, clothing, transportation, school supplies, childcare, telephone, home furnishings, personal care items, household cleaners, etc.

Income solutions are needed so that everyone has enough money to meet their basic needs, including food. Policies that target poverty are needed, including policies that ensure:

• Adequate working incomes and benefits to pay for the necessities of living, like housing, food, and other expenses.
• Adequate social assistance income (e.g., Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program) that reflects the true cost of living.
• Tax subsidies, exemptions, and credits for low-income households.
• Guaranteed basic income for all.

Emergency food programs, such as food banks and meal programs, can offer temporary relief but do not solve food insecurity in the long-term. Those who access these services continue to experience food insecurity.

All people in Windsor-Essex should have consistent access to food, and the community has a role to play to ensure it. Start by educating yourself about what causes hunger and poverty and use your voice to advocate for change!

• Visit the PROOF website and Food Insecurity & Food Affordability in Ontario to learn more about poverty, household food insecurity, and the impacts on health.
• Spread the word on food insecurity. Find resources to share by visiting Ontario Dietitians in Public Health.
• Become a Living Wage Employer. Visit Ontario Living Wage Network for more information.

Click here for a drop-down menu of local services to help you find income support and emergency food services.