Health authorities and Ontario Works issued a joint statement Tuesday warning that one in four households across southwestern Ontario are currently dealing with food insecurity. The release also highlighted that a single adult receiving Ontario Works benefits can face a monthly shortfall ranging from $301 to $859, underscoring gaps in the provincial assistance program.
The statement, signed by regional health units, points to a steady increase in the number of families reporting difficulty accessing adequate nutrition. Officials noted that the proportion of households experiencing food scarcity has risen to 25 percent, a level they describe as concerning for community health outcomes.
Ontario Works, the province’s social assistance program, provides financial support to individuals without employment income. According to the joint release, the standard benefit amount may leave a lone recipient with insufficient funds to cover basic food expenses, creating a deficit that can vary widely depending on personal circumstances and local cost of living.
Health units said the shortfall translates into a higher risk of malnutrition and related health problems, particularly for vulnerable groups such as seniors, children and those with chronic illnesses. They urged policymakers to review the adequacy of current benefit levels and to consider additional measures that could bridge the identified gap.
The agencies also called attention to the broader socioeconomic factors contributing to food insecurity, including rising housing costs, limited employment opportunities and inflationary pressures on grocery prices. While no specific policy changes were announced, the joint statement serves as a formal alert to provincial decision‑makers about the urgency of addressing the shortfall in support for low‑income residents.
The health units plan to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as new data become available, emphasizing the need for coordinated action to ensure that basic nutritional needs are met across southwestern Ontario.