Addressing Food Insecurity and Poverty in Bruce Grey

We are on the frontlines, working tirelessly to feed people. Volunteers are overwhelmed, struggling to meet the growing demand for food assistance. Feed Bank Ontario reports that food bank use in Ontario reached yet another record high in 2025, with more than 1 million people turning to emergency food support over 8.7 million times. This marks the 9th consecutive year that food bank use has increased and reflects a deeply concerning trend across the province: every year, more and more Ontarians cannot afford the cost of living each month.

1 in 4 households across Ontario in 2023 30.7% of children living in food-insecure households. Food Banks Canada reported in 2025 that close to 19% of food bank clients are employed.

The United Way of Bruce Grey’s Food Bruce Grey dashboard monitors hunger in Grey Bruce. The dashboard breaks down by specific organizations and/or municipality. In 2025 in Grey Bruce:

  • 4 out of 23 community meal programs distributed 329,627 meals
  • 15 out of 22 food banks distributed 199,933 kilograms of food to 12,456 households

The deepening homelessness crisis has been on every agenda and will continue to be so as rates of poverty increase. In 2025, 365 individuals accessed Grey County’s Short-Term Shelter Program, with a significant proportion experiencing chronic homelessness.

The Root Causes: A Call for Systemic Change

Food insecurity is a symptom of broader economic issues—inadequate income, unaffordable housing, and rising living costs. While food banks do their best to provide relief, they are being pushed beyond their limits. Charities cannot be the sole solution.

“Income Solutions to Food Insecurity”, advocates for policies that address the root causes of hunger. We call on candidates to commit to real solutions that ensure economic security for all.

Our Key Asks

1. Strengthen Income Supports

People need stable, adequate income to afford basic needs. We urge the government to:

  • Increase social assistance rates to reflect the real cost of living.
  • Implement income-based solutions rather than relying on food banks as a permanent fix.

2. Invest in Quality Jobs

Wages are not keeping up with the cost of basic needs. The Grey Bruce Living Wage is $24.60/hr in 2025. It remains the 2nd highest rate in Ontario and reflects a 6.7% increase from 2024.

More than half of those accessing food banks earn wages, salaries, or are self-employed. We need policies that:

  • Ensure workers earn a living wage that meets today’s costs.
  • Strengthen employment standards to provide financial security and stability.
  • Ensure the workforce has access to affordable childcare.

3. Expand Supportive and Transitional Housing

Homelessness in rural Ontario has increased by over 150% since 2016, compared to 50% across all communities in Ontario.

The Poverty Task Force calls for significant provincial investments in social and supportive housing, mental health and addiction services, and basic income supports. These investments will:

  • End chronic homelessness and move people into stable housing.
  • Address root causes like income insecurity and inadequate mental health services.
  • Reduce reliance on shelters, hospitals, and jails—saving taxpayers money.
  • Invest in rural community primary health care.

Supportive housing isn’t just about a place to live—it’s about stability, dignity, and a real solution. Investing in supportive housing isn’t just the smart thing to do—it’s the right thing to do.

Your Role in this Election

Candidates have a choice: Invest in real, long-term solutions or continue a broken system that costs more and helps less.

Ask to Candidates

  • What concrete actions will you take to ensure income security and affordable housing?
  • Will you commit to investing in long-term solutions rather than relying on charity?

Demand action. Vote for solutions.

Together, we can push for real change. Vote for policies that tackle poverty at its roots, not just temporary relief.

Our Voices Do Have Power

Advocacy, Bridging and Collaboration guide the work of the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force which amplifies the voices of 92+ non-profit, government, health and research organizations over the past 13 years.

As of October 24, 2022, 29% of municipal positions in Grey Bruce are held by women, where 51% of the population are women. ElectHER Now is a non-partisan volunteer group that champions gender balance and a more diverse representation across Grey Bruce.

Find Out More

Food Security

Housing

Income Security

Health Equity

Ontario municipalities are governed by the Municipal Act, 2001, which establishes the powers, duties, and structure of our local municipal government. So, it’s doubly important for you to vote in the October 2026 election. Check online for information about how to vote AND to make sure you’re on the voter’s list. Visit https://www.elections.on.ca for more details today!