CDPAC's call to action on household food insecurity in Canada

As a network of Canada's major national, provincial and territorial health organizations, the Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance of Canada (CDPAC) is joining the call for federal action on household food insecurity in Canada.

Household food insecurity, the inadequate or insecure access to food because of financial constraints, is a pressing national issue that can no longer be ignored. The latest data from the PROOF research team indicates that 1 in 8 households, representing 4.4 million Canadians, experience food insecurity and this number is expected to rise due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

CDPAC and its member organizations share a common vision for an integrated system of research, surveillance, policies and programs to promote healthy living and prevent chronic diseases. In Canada, diet-related diseases are a leading cause of death and disability. The cost of diet-related disease in Canada in 2015 was estimated at $26 billion. Further, adults in food-insecure households have higher rates of a range of chronic disease, which place a significant burden on individual health and the health system. Many of these same chronic conditions also increase risk of more severe outcomes due to COVID-19.

Household food insecurity is an income-based issue closely tied to markers of social and economic disadvantage. To significantly reduce rates of household food insecurity in Canada, comprehensive income policy is required to ensure all Canadians are able to meet basic needs.

Effective, long-term strategies to reduce household food insecurity and its roots are needed, now more than ever, to promote health and prevent chronic disease. 

Read our full call to action on household food insecurity in Canada and key policy recommendations.

Read our press release in partnership with the University of Alberta School of Public Health, Alberta Policy Coalition for Chronic Disease and PROOF research team.

Contact your MP

Share the Call to Action with your MP and tell them it's time for income-based policy action on household food insecurity in Canada. 

Spread the word on Twitter 

Millions of Canadians struggle to put food on the table because of financial constraints and this problem is likely to get worse. Federal action is needed to address this pressing issue, now more than ever. Read @theCDPAC’s call to action: https://bit.ly/cdpacfoodinsecurity #cdnpoli

Copy the image above and be sure to tag @theCDPAC and @APCCP!