The Cost of Eating in BC 2006

Nov 28, 2006: Recent Release of Dieticians' Report

Having enough safe and healthy food is important for the health and future success of our children, our families and our seniors. Unless the root cause of food insecurity – poverty – is addressed, it will be difficult to achieve the Premier’s goal of BC being the healthiest jurisdiction to host the 2010 Olympic winter games. To this end, it is recommended that:

1. Governments, at all levels, establish poverty reduction as an important policy goal. The BC Ministries must work together to ensure that current and planned policies do not create more poverty in BC and hence negatively impact on the food security, health and well-being of British Columbians.

2. Income assistance rates be increased to bring families on assistance out of poverty. The Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance must establish a clear, fair and transparent process for determining income assistance that is based on the actual cost of shelter and support. The food allowance must be based on the actual cost of a nutritious food basket.

3. The minimum wage be increased to a level such that British Columbians working for minimum wage do not live in poverty.

4. Funding and support for adequate social housing be immediately put in place to help relieve the burden of living on a low income.

5. Governments, at all levels, adequately fund sustainable initiatives that support food security for low income families.

The Cost of Eating in BC report has been published annually since 2000 by Dietitians of Canada, BC Region and the Community Nutritionists Council of BC. This year the report has received more support than ever -17 provincial agencies or groups endorsed the report.

The complete report is available here.