A family of four that depends on Ontario Works is spending 89 per cent of its income on food and rent, with little to no money left for other basic expenses such as transportation, child care and school supplies.

A single adult reliant on social assistance faces food and rent costs that are significantly higher than their income.

“Every family is affected by it,” Hurley added. “No matter if you are medium income or low income, we all have a budget we are following."

Higher food costs are translating into greater numbers of residents seeking help to feed themselves and their families, according to the Sharing Place Food Centre.

“We’ve gone from averaging around 1,450 people per month to over 1,700 people,” said executive director Chris Peacock.

The increase encompasses all age groups, from children to seniors.

“It’s scary that it’s affecting everyone,” Peacock said.

Beaton, a volunteer with the Sharing Place, finds herself rethinking her grocery choices due to the higher costs.

“I used to spend $100 a month; now I’m up to $120, $130,” she said.

While community-based programs such as food banks play a vital role, “they are not the long-term solution,” Hurley said.

A pilot project that provided a basic income in select communities under the previous provincial government was a step in the right direction before it was cancelled by the current government, Hurley said.

“We were seeing some evidence that that was making a difference to families and individuals,” she said.

Increases to the minimum wage and social-assistance rates to match living costs are also helpful, Hurley said.

Disclaimer: Poll results are not scientific. As the informal findings of a survey presented to the readers of Simcoe.com, they reflect the opinions of those readers who have chosen to participate. The survey is available online to anyone who is interested in taking it.