Health Equity

Each year, the Health Unit undergoes Nutritious Food Basket Costing, to bring awareness to the issue of food insecurity in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville. This resource shows the average cost of food alongside the cost of living expenses (i.e., rent), and income. Current research in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville indicates that individuals or families living with low income experience difficulty purchasing nutritious, balanced food following the cost of living. If you or someone you know is looking for help with getting food, there are food programs available as well as local food banks and low and no-cost meal programs.

For more information, or to speak to a Registered Dietician, you can call 1-800-660-5853.

A living wage is the minimum hourly wage a worker needs to earn in order to cover their basic expenses (i.e., housing, nutritious food, clothing etc.) and participate fully in their community. It is calculated yearly using community data and informs and advocates for discussion around what it costs to live in a given area. In 2023, the living wage for Leeds, Grenville and Lanark is $20.60. One thing an organization can do to support this movement, is become a living wage employer. Living wage employers are certified organizations or companies that reflect the values of Living Wage Ontario and pay all employees at the rate of the living wage (or more) for the region they operate in. For more information on becoming a living wage employer, click here.

SmartSAVER is a resource for Canadian individuals and families looking for financial guidance on saving for their children’s education. SmartSAVER offers toolkits for families, as well as provides valuable information on Canada’s Learning Bond.

Leeds and Grenville

• River Route Public Transit – starting in Brockville the bus continues east and brings commuters to and from popular workplaces in Brockville, Augusta, Prescott and Edwardsburg Cardinal in a 2-hour loop, 6 times per weekday. $5 a ride from 5:30am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday. For more information visit River Route Public Transit.
• Brockville Transit – operating Monday to Friday and on Saturday for $2.50 cash a ride. Visit Transit – City of Brockville for more information and bus route maps.
• North Grenville (NGtransit) – operating every day for $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for youth. Must book your ride at least 30 minutes in advance by calling 613-368-5620 or using the Blaise App. For more information visit Home (northgrenville.ca)
• Gananoque Wheels of Care – only serving people that meet the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. One way trips within Gananoque are $13.00, they offer transportation to Kingston, Lansdowne and Brockville. Must call 1-800-465-7646 ex. 2034 to book a ride in advance. For more information, eligibility information and other rates visit Gananoque Wheels of Care – A non-profit transportation service.

Lanark

• Lanark Transportation – Trips within Mississippi Mills, Almonte, Perth, Lanark and Carleton Place to popular destinations in Lanark with personalized pick up and drop off at your home address. $2.00 round trip just phone 1-877-445-5777 by Wednesday at 10:00am. For more information visit Lanark Transportation | Accessible, caring, personal transport.

• Health Care Provider – call 1-800-445-1822 or register online at Health Care Connect to get on the waitlist for a family doctor.
• Eastern Region Virtual Care Clinic – If you do not have a health care provider you can access this virtual care service for free, with or without a healthcare. Visit www.virtualcareontario.ca or call 1-888-684-1999 to book an appointment.