The cost of eating well in Ottawa
Posted Mar 12, 2010 By Ellen Lakusiak
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Tweet ThisRegistered Dietitian, Ottawa Public Health
EMC Lifestyle - In the spring of every year, health units in Ontario are required to complete a Nutritious Food Basket survey.
This survey, last updated in May 2009, involves finding the price of 67 foods that Canadians are most likely to eat.
Six grocery stores in the Ottawa area were surveyed to come up with the average cost of a healthy diet.
A healthy diet is based on the four food groups of Canada's Food Guide. Basics such as flour, spreads and oils and spices, seasonings and beverages are included in the Nutritious Food Basket.
The basket does not include cleaning supplies, toothpaste, shampoo, the food cost for people on a special diet, infant formula, baby food or food eaten away from home.
What does a healthy diet cost in Ottawa?
The cost of a Nutritious Food Basket is based on a family of four:
31 to 50 year-old-man
31 to 50 year-old-woman
14 to18 year-old-boy
4 to 8 year-old-girl
In 2009, the cost of a monthly Nutritious Food Basket for this Ottawa family was $735.
Most people are forced to pay their rent and other fixed expenses such as heat, hydro, transportation, child car and insurance before buying food.
As a result, even with government benefits, it is very difficult for low-income families to pay for a healthy diet.
What effect can this have on health?
Heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure tend to be more common in those who have a less healthy diet.
People who can't afford a healthy diet often do not get enough of nutrients such as folate, iron, zinc, and vitamin A which can lead to more serious health problems such as birth defects, anemia, and less ability to fight off infections.
Babies may have health problems at birth, and children are more likely to get sick or have problems at school.
What can help to make it easier to eat healthy?
Getting back to basics. Families can save on their grocery bill by making meals from scratch rather than buying prepared, packaged foods and meals.
To learn how to make simple low cost meals or to watch online cooking demonstrations visit ottawa.ca/health/nutrition.
You can also download the Everybody's Food Budget Book for smart shopping and meal planning ideas on a budget.
For additional information call Ottawa Public Health Information at 613-580-6744.
For help accessing food, dial 211 or visit 211ontario.ca.
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