HALDIMAND—One in four households across the Grand Erie region struggled to put food on the table last year, according to new data from public health.
Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) has released a new report examining the extent and impact of food insecurity across the region, with findings that place Haldimand County squarely within a growing affordability crisis.
The report, Food Insecurity in the Grand Erie Public Health Region, 2025, was published in February 2026 alongside a companion document, A Primer for Municipalities on Food Insecurity in the Grand Erie Public Health Region.
Food insecurity is defined as inadequate or insecure access to food due to a lack of money.
According to the report, 25.4% of households in the GEPH region experienced food insecurity in 2023–2024. This marks the highest level of food insecurity recorded locally since comparable data has been tracked.
While the statistics cover the entire GEPH region – including Brantford and Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk counties – the financial modelling included in the report highlights the pressures facing families in Haldimand specifically.
One scenario outlines the situation of a single mother with two children living in Haldimand County and relying on Ontario Works.
This scenario has total monthly income of $2,776, an average monthly rent of $2,613, and the cost of a basic nutritious diet for the household is $876.30. After rent is paid, the family would face a monthly shortfall of -$713.30 when food costs are factored in.
The report also notes that households with children led by lone female parents had the highest rates of food insecurity in 2023, at 47.8%.
The companion Municipal Primer further illustrates that a family of four on Ontario Works in Haldimand-Norfolk is also short by more than $700 per month, even with only rent and food costs considered.
To measure local food affordability, GEPH collected data in May 2025 using the Ontario Nutritious Food Basket, a standardized survey tool based on Canada’s Food Guide.
Fourteen grocery stores across Brantford-Brant and nine stores across Haldimand-Norfolk participated in the data collection process.
The tool reflects the cost of 61 basic food items and does not include ready-to-eat meals, specialty products, infant formula, or culturally specific foods. It also assumes households have access to transportation, cooking equipment, and time to prepare meals.
“The problem is not a lack of food in our community, but rather that many households do not have enough money to afford food,” the report states. It further notes that research has not demonstrated that food charity programs reduce household food insecurity.
Health impacts linked to food insecurity are also detailed. Adults living in food insecure households are more likely to experience chronic pain, heart disease, hypertension, and depression.
Children in food insecure households face increased risks of hyperactivity and inattention, and youth who grow up in severely food insecure households have elevated risks of depression and suicidal ideation.
Focus groups conducted in 2024 with 40 participants who had lived experience of food insecurity provided additional context. Participants described skipping meals to prioritize feeding their children, struggling with transportation barriers to access food programs, and feeling shame when using charitable food services.
“After I pay rent, I have no money left for food,” one participant stated.
At its February 18, 2026 meeting, the GEPH Board of Health endorsed the Municipal Primer on Food Insecurity, which outlines policy approaches municipalities can consider. These include raising awareness about the income-based causes of food insecurity, creating or strengthening poverty reduction strategies, supporting living wage initiatives, advocating for higher social assistance rates, and investing in affordable housing, transportation, and childcare options.
Maria Kinkel, Chair of the GEPH Board of Health, said, “The Board of Health is proud to endorse A Primer for Municipalities on Food Insecurity in the Grand Erie Public Health Region. Food insecurity is a growing public health issue affecting one in four households locally, with significant impacts on the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities. This endorsement reflects our shared commitment to raising awareness and supporting healthier communities.”
Dr. Jason Malenfant, GEPH Medical Officer of Health, added, “Food insecurity is a significant and growing public health concern in our region, with serious impacts on the physical and mental health of individuals and families. Addressing this issue requires continued awareness, advocacy, and collective action to improve health and wellbeing across our communities and ensure people have the supports they need to live healthy lives.”
Haldimand County Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley said “reading GEPH’s Food Insecurity report was a sobering experience.”
“The report makes it clear that food inequality remains one of our community’s most pressing challenges and more needs to be done to ensure every resident has reliable access to healthy, affordable food,” she continued. “As the costs of living continue to increase, programs like ODSP, OAS, and CPP are not keeping pace and cannot support the growing costs of rent and groceries to keep our families healthy.”
The full report and Municipal Primer are available at geph.ca/foodinsecurity. Printed copies are available at GEPH offices in Brantford and Simcoe.
