News Releases

Cost of Healthy Eating Rises

This page was reviewed or revised on Monday, November 14, 2011 3:03 PM

Sarnia, ON – According to the results of the Sarnia-Lambton Nutritious Food Basket (NFB) survey, Lambton County residents paid 6.4% more in 2011, an increase of $546.52 over 2010, to purchase healthy food.

The NFB found that a Lambton County family of four (4) – two parents with a son and a daughter – paid $174.25 per week or $754.50 per month to buy groceries for a nutritionally adequate diet. The foods surveyed reflect a healthy eating pattern based on Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide and the foods Canadians typically buy.

In May, the County of Lambton Community Health Services Department visited nine (9) Lambton grocery stores and compared the lowest prices of 67 food items.

Connie Mallette, Registered Dietitian with Community Health Services, says "A healthy diet is vital for proper child growth and development, and the prevention of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart disease."

Work is currently underway in Lambton County to create a healthy food system plan that integrates all aspects of the food system to enhance the environmental, economic, social and nutritional health of our community. As part of the food system plan, Community Health Services will continue to:

• Support the Sarnia-Lambton Food Coalition by endorsing our community food charter.
• Support local agriculture by promoting the Locally Lambton Food Map.
• Advocate for and support policies that encourage healthy food choices in schools, workplaces and other public places.
• Advocate for municipal policies that support healthy, local food procurement and community gardens.
• Support and provide skill building programs like grocery store tours and cooking clubs.
• Support 36 student nutrition programs in Lambton County schools.
• Support the Garden Fresh Box program that provides fresh vegetables and fruit each month at a reduced cost.

For more information on the 2011 Nutritious Food Basket, and related programs, call 519 344-2062 ext. 2349, toll free 1-800-387-2662 or visit www.lambtonhealth.on.ca.

For more information about Lambton County, visit www.lambtononline.ca.

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Contact:

Connie Mallette
Registered Dietitian
County of Lambton
Telephone: 519 344-2062 ext. 2349
Email: connie.mallette@county-lambton.on.ca