A grocery cart full of nutritious food cost the average family in Windsor-Essex 8.7 per cent more this year.
A recent study completed by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit concluded a family of four spends an average of $262.68 weekly. That's up from from $241.66 in 2022.
The health unit purchased 61 food items in 11 area grocery stores. The items meet recommendations from Canada's food guide.
Food insecurity has major impacts on public health. The report states there are severe negative impacts on physical health, mental health and the overall healthcare system.
This study is part of the Ontario Nutritious Food Basket program.
The data helps calculate the rate of the living wage in the region. Other factors included in the calculations are shelter, transportation, communication, childcare, and other necessities.
A living wage is how much a person must earn to participate fully in the community.
The Ontario Living Wage network calculated the region's living wage to be $18.65 an hour. The rate for the southwest region is $2.10/hour more than the current provincial minimum wage.
