Week of: September 16, 2007
THE COST OF HEALTHY EATING IN SASKATCHEWAN
Did you know?
In Saskatchewan, it costs an average of $172 per week to feed a family a healthy diet. That amounts to $747 each month for a family with two adults and two children.
Food costing was conducted in 99 stores throughout the province in June of 2006. The costs were calculated based on a "nutritious food basket." This basket contains 66 commonly purchased, healthy food items.
Food costs vary depending on where you live. Weekly costs for a family of four are the highest in the northern part of the province ranging from $171to $255. This is followed by rural areas at $166. Weekly costs in other centres, including large cities such as Saskatoon and Regina, range from $141to $159.
Data on food costs help us identify the barriers that people face. Some do not have enough money to buy nutritious food. Some individuals and families that receive income assistance or minimum wage, have little money left after paying for necessities such as food and shelter. People with a lack of money may view food as the most flexible part of a budget. They may choose low cost food items that fill them up but do not meet their daily nutrient needs.
Some Saskatchewan communities benefit from school nutrition programs that aim to help children learn. The costs of nutritious snacks used in these programs vary. They depend on where the school is located in the province. Some schools pay up to 86 cents per student, over 50% more than the same foods in other schools. Nutrition programs that only have access to higher priced foods may be left with budget shortfalls.
How do you use this information?
Learn more about food costs and calculate them for your household. Request a copy of the "Food Cost Calculator" from you local public health nutritionist. Find out more about how food costs are a part of food security. Food security is a basic right of everyone. But it only exists when all people, especially the most vulnerable, have enough safe, personally acceptable and nutritious food to support an active and healthy life.
This information, plus much more, is part of a recently released report, "The Cost of Healthy Eating in Saskatchewan 2006" by the Public Health Nutritionists of Saskatchewan. Contact your local public health nutritionist for a free copy.
WRITTEN BY THE PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITIONISTS OF SASKATCHEWAN
Originator: Terry Ann Keenan, Saskatoon Health Region
Editing Buddy: Lisa Vance, Regina Qu'Apelle Health Region
References:
The Public Health Nutritionists of Saskatchewan Working Group, "The Cost of Healthy Eating in Saskatchewan", 2006.
