Orillia City Council has declared a food insecurity emergency, responding to growing poverty and a sharp rise in demand for food support across the community.

According to The Sharing Place, Orillia’s food bank, about 31% of residents now rely on food support—more than double the 14% reported in 2011. The city currently has one of the highest poverty and unemployment rates in Simcoe County, a trend local advocates say has been made worse by rising housing costs, inflation, and limited access to stable employment.

The declaration was recommended by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and calls for stronger support from both the provincial and federal governments. It emphasizes the urgent need for measures such as affordable housing, improved mental health services, a living wage, and guaranteed income programs to help stabilize families and reduce long-term reliance on emergency food aid.

City Councillor Jay Fallis noted that the declaration is largely symbolic but stressed that it sets an important direction for council’s priorities moving forward. “It’s about recognizing the seriousness of what’s happening in our community and sending a clear message that more needs to be done,” he said. The declaration is intended to help the City advocate for additional funding and policy changes at higher levels of government, while also guiding municipal initiatives.

Some local solutions are already underway. Community groups and volunteers have expanded initiatives such as community gardens, food literacy programs, and a community fridge designed to provide free, accessible food 24/7. These efforts aim to ease immediate pressures on families while also building longer-term resilience.

The City has also committed to including food security as part of its 2025 budget discussions. Municipal officials say they will continue working with non-profits, health agencies, and grassroots organizations to find collaborative ways of addressing both urgent needs and the broader social and economic conditions contributing to food insecurity.

Council members acknowledged that emergency food support is only a temporary solution and stressed that lasting progress will depend on systemic change. By declaring a food insecurity emergency, Orillia joins a growing number of municipalities across Ontario taking similar steps to highlight the issue and press for coordinated action.