Nearly one in three Orillia families now struggle to put food on the table—a reality that has forced city leaders to sound the alarm and demand action from every level of government.
When Orillia declared a household food insecurity emergency, it was more than a symbolic gesture. The staggering 30.7 percent food insecurity rate in Simcoe-Muskoka, especially among low-income and single-parent households, revealed the scale of a crisis that could no longer be ignored. Pressured by rising living costs and inadequate incomes, local families have found themselves making impossible choices, drawing the attention of the County of Simcoe and its top officials.
This week, county staff led by Mina Fayez-Bahgat, Sophia Stanberry, and Brittany Doner-Gilroy laid out a new strategy before city council. Their message was clear: the county is realigning its social and community investment funds so that supporting Orillia’s basic needs becomes a top priority. “The County of Simcoe stands firmly beside you in responding with coordinated, compassionate and evidence-based solutions. Together, we strive to increase access to food and basic needs for all households within Simcoe County,” Stanberry told council members.
The county’s approach blends immediate relief with long-term change. Funding will be shifted to support existing local programs and new pilot initiatives, including projects in county housing and through collaborative working groups. Integration with the region’s food access and sustainability efforts, as well as community safety frameworks, will keep food insecurity at the fore of municipal planning. Doner-Gilroy emphasized that solutions must extend beyond food banks, calling for broader policy reforms such as a guaranteed livable basic income, higher social assistance rates, and investment in affordable housing and mental health services.
Collaboration is key. The county plans to work with school boards, local food banks, and health teams, aiming to create a safety net that leaves no resident behind. Data collection and community engagement will ensure that resources reach those most affected, while coordination with provincial and federal partners seeks to secure sustainable, income-based solutions.
With local leaders and community partners united, Orillia’s fight against food insecurity is entering a new phase—one built on dignity, partnership, and a determination not to let anyone slip through the cracks.
References:
We ‘need to get this right’: County stepping in to help tackle food insecurity crisis in Orillia
