Reports & resources
Food costing involves the biannual collection of food prices in grocery stores across BC in order to calculate the average monthly cost of an adequately nutritious diet. Regional health authority staff and volunteers collect food prices. Food costing was conducted in May/June 2022 using the National Nutritious Food Basket developed by Health Canada.
This report is for anyone interested in household food insecurity and who wants to assess the affordability of a healthy diet. It provides food cost data from across BC based on the National Nutritious Food Basket. The report also provides background on household food insecurity, the related health implications and calls to action to address household food insecurity.
The food costing methodology largely excludes remote and Indigenous communities, where there are few full-service grocery stores. It also does not capture costs such as transportation or cost of accessing traditional foods. BCCDC is leading a project to learn more about food cost and impacts of climate change in remote Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Stories from communities and recommendations will be shared later in 2023.
This project sought to develop a clear and consistent understanding of the two concepts from the public health perspective in BC. These definitions form a foundation from which public health and others outside the health sector can take action to address food security and food insecurity.
Food Security and Food Insecurity Definitions
Process Background
This policy brief reviews evidence on the drivers and consequences of food availability, accessibility and affordability in rural, remote and Indigenous communities that existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and shares evidence and stories from BC on food security challenges that have surfaced or been amplified by the pandemic. Released: September 2022
This work will replace the indicators developed in 2009 with evidence-based indicators that better reflect the context and breadth of food security work occurring in B.C. The indicators will inform policy and practice by demonstrating the current state of food security/household food insecurity in B.C.; reflect the impact of food security initiatives; and highlight where gaps exist and further work is needed to improve food security.
BCCDC developed the framework to guide the revision of existing, and development of new, food security indicators for B.C. It divides food security into three key elements and can help illustrate the causal relationships and interconnectedness between indicators once they are developed.
This document focuses on the literature review process and findings. The findings are summarized under four key themes identified as priorities by the health authorities and the Ministry of Health. The literature summarizes the available evidence for potential indicators and indicator areas.
Analysis of food safety barriers to providing non-market traditional foods to Indigenous children in childcare settings, as well as what enables centres to successfully incorporate traditional foods. A collaboration with the BC Aboriginal Child Care Society. Released: December 2016
Analysis of household food insecurity in British Columbia, completed in partnership with researchers at the University of Toronto. Released: August 2016
Presents consolidated evidence on current issues related to BC agriculture and its connection to health. Released: April 2016
Short videos that explore the role of traditional foods for Aboriginal people and demonstrate cooking methods. Audience: Youth and youth-orientated organizations, as well as anyone with an interest in Indigenous foods; Released: August 2014
A case study exploring access to traditional foods for urban Aboriginal people. Released: September 2011
An action framework for public institutions to support the determinants of healthy eating while promoting a local and sustainable food supply. Audience: e.g., health authorities, educational institutions, childcare facilities, and local governments; Released: June 2011
A synthesis of current evidence on key issues impacting food security in BC. Released: August 2010
Detailed descriptions of food security indicators to guide their use as part of the Food Security Core Program. Released: May 2010
Provides ideas for local governments action on how to build food secure communities. Audience: Local governments, anyone working with local governments to promote food security; Released: June 2008
Resources to help communities undertaking a community food assessment. Audience: Local governments & community organizations; Released: March 2008 (guide) & March 2009 (companion tool)
A variety of resources related to the implementation and evaluation of CFAI in B.C. Audience: Health authorities; Released: 2006-2008
A discussion paper about policy options and other measures that might help address issues of food security and income security in British Columbia. Released: 2007
