Nutritious food basket data shows cost of healthy eating is increasing in this area

The cost of healthy eating is on the rise for residents of Leeds, Grenville and Lanark counties. For the fifth consecutive year, the cost of the Nutritious Food Basket has increased, demonstrating a substantial hike of $78.93 per month to feed a family of four since the survey was first done in 1998. According to the most recent Nutritious Food Basket survey, the average cost of feeding a family of four is $539.60 per month, compared to $460.67 per month just five years ago.

The Nutritious Food Basket is a project completed yearly by the Health Unit under the direction of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Each year, ten grocery stores throughout Leeds, Grenville and Lanark are surveyed for the cost of 66 specified food items that support nutritional health and reflect the shopping behaviours of Canadians. For more information on food security-related projects and resources, please contact a Public Health Nutritionist at the Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark District Health Unit.