Why Food Prosperity Matters: The Health Impacts of Food Insecurity in Canada

Food insecurity is an increasingly pressing issue in Canada, with serious implications for both individual health and the broader healthcare system. Far beyond concerns about poor diet, food insecurity is linked to many health conditions that put strain on the already overwhelmed healthcare system.

Individuals facing food insecurity are more susceptible to infectious diseases, injuries, and chronic conditions such as chronic pain, heart disease, and diabetes. The management of these health issues, in addition to any existing health conditions, becomes especially difficult when individuals cannot afford essential treatments such as prescription medications, leading to further deterioration in health.

The mental health effects of food insecurity are equally concerning for both adults and children. Adults living in food-insecure households are at heightened risk for anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and suicidal ideation. Children are more likely to exhibit behavioural challenges such as hyperactivity and inattention, and are at greater risk of developing depression later in life.

From a systemic perspective, food insecurity places a significant burden on Canada’s healthcare system. Adults experiencing food insecurity are twice as likely to be hospitalized for respiratory illnesses and nearly three times more likely to require hospital care for mental health concerns. The financial toll is substantial: healthcare costs for a severely food-insecure adult are, on average, twice those of someone who is food secure.

Addressing food insecurity is not only a matter of social justice—it is a public health imperative. Ensuring food prosperity can lead to improved health outcomes and reduced strain on the healthcare system, benefiting both individuals and society at large.

Further reading:

https://proof.utoronto.ca/food-insecurity/what-are-the-implications-of-food-insecurity-for-health-and-health-care/