Household Food Insecurity
We measure progress towards long-term outcomes by tracking key indicators for the Peel community.
Why is this important?
- "Food security" means having safe, healthy food every day.
- Not having enough good food can lead to physical and mental health problems.1
How is this measured?
- We use the Canadian Community Health Survey to tell us what per cent of Peel residents has Moderate or Severe problems with food security.
- "Moderate" describes homes with poor quality and quantity of food.
- "Severe" describes homes with serious food shortages and missed meals.
What progress are we making?
- Almost 1 out of 10 households in Peel has food security problems in 2013/2014.
- This rate is similar to other households in Ontario.
- Food insecurity affects low-income households more, especially those who rely on government benefits.2
- Food security falls under the Wellbeing and Social Inclusion Pillar within the renewed 20182028 Peel Poverty Reduction Strategy (PDF).
- The Region of Peel is looking at other ways to measure and improve access to safe, healthy, local food.
1 Reference: Vozoris, N.T. and Tarasuk, V.S. 2003. "Household food insufficiency is associated with poorer health." Journal of Nutrition. 120-126.
2 Reference: Food insecurity in Canada. Statistics Canada, 2015, Catalogue no. 82-624-X.
