**PORCUPINE HEALTH UNIT MEDIA RELEASE**

The Porcupine Health Unit is asking for the public’s help in supporting the “No Money for Food is … Cent$less” Campaign. The goal of the campaign is to make poverty reduction a priority for the June 2018 provincial election.

“No one should have to choose between paying rent and buying food for their family,” says Victoria Hall”, Public Health Dietitian at the Porcupine Health Unit. “By going to www.odph.ca/centsless, individuals can submit an e-letter to provincial election candidates advocating for fair income solutions to address food insecurity.”

Food insecurity is when people and families don’t have access or enough money to buy the healthy food they need and like. In Ontario, 1 in 8 households are food insecure and 1 in 6 children are living in a food insecure household. “Being food insecure has devastating effects on health and is linked to higher usage of healthcare services,” says Hall. “Adults who are food insecure are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure and be more stressed. Children growing up in food insecure households are more likely to experience mental health concerns and teenagers are at greater risk for depression, social anxiety and suicide.” She adds that children and teenagers in food insecure homes are also more likely to struggle in school.

“The cost of healthy foods keeps increasing in our communities, making it very difficult for people and families to afford to eat healthy,” adds Victoria Hall. “Since 2011 cost of eating healthy for a family of four in the Cochrane District has risen by $29.84/week.”

Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit adds, “We need to work upstream to reduce food insecurity.” She notes that although food banks play an important and necessary role providing food to people and families who have difficulty affording it, they “don’t address the root cause of food insecurity, which is poverty.” Additionally, she says that increases in minimum wage and the amount of affordable housing are unlikely to improve food insecurity unless there is enough money left over after paying rent and bills for food.

Victoria Hall says by joining the “No Money for Food is … Cent$less” campaign, “You can advocate for the Ontario Basic Income Pilot study to continue.” This three-year study which is underway in three

communities will determine whether a basic income which is a payment to eligible couples and individuals that will ensure a minimum income level regardless of employment status can reduce poverty in a sustainable way.

The Porcupine Health Unit is located in Northeastern Ontario, serving the entire Cochrane District and Hornepayne, in the Algoma District. The main office is located in Timmins, Ontario, with branch offices in Cochrane, Hearst, Hornepayne, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Matheson, Moosonee and Smooth Rock Falls.