Orillia City Council declared a household food insecurity emergency this week after recent data showed nearly a third of households in the region were struggling to afford groceries.

About 30.7 per cent of households in Simcoe County, including Orillia, are facing food insecurity, according to data from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

The motion, which passed on Monday, stated Orillia is "especially impacted" due to higher rates of poverty, and that the declaration will be considered by council when making decisions related to poverty reduction, community food support and supporting local initiatives.

The need for food bank access "has more than doubled," said Orillia Coun. Janet-Lynne Durnford, who co-chairs the Orillia Food Access and Sustainability Working Group (OFASWG).

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