This Niagara Region web page provides information about food affordability and the mount of money left over for necessities after paying rent and food, in Niagara.
In 2024, Niagara Region Public Health collected the cost of nutritious food through the Nutritious Food Basket survey. The results are used to find out if nutritious eating is affordable for individuals and families in Niagara.
The survey collects the lowest cost of 61 basic food items from large chain grocery stores across Niagara to provide an average minimum cost of nutritious eating. Food items are based on Canada’s Food Guide, and the eating patterns and behaviours of Canadians.
Food items in the survey fall into four categories:
- Vegetables and fruit
- Protein foods
- Whole grains
- Fats and oils
The survey does not include personal care items (such as personal hygiene products, toilet paper, soap, diapers), processed or convenience foods (such as frozen meals and snack foods), religious or cultural foods, infant food or special diet foods (such as gluten-free).
The survey does not reflect how much someone should spend on food.
Published By: Niagara Region
Publication Date: 2024
Click here to access Food Affordability in Niagara 2024
