Learning About Food Insecurity
Not having enough money for food
What is food insecurity?
There may be times when you worry about having enough money for food for you and your family. You may also struggle to find healthy foods. You might sometimes not have enough food for each meal. These are all examples of food insecurity.
A healthcare provider can help you find services available to support you. They can better help you if they know you are worried about having enough money for food or if you have other challenges because of financial strain.
Where can you get help?
There are different types of income supports, community services, social supports, and health benefits available in Alberta. Ask your healthcare provider to help you find out more.
211 Alberta can help connect you to income and other supports.
You can access 211 in Alberta:
- By phone (dial 211)
- By texting INFO to 211
- By online chat
Your healthcare provider may be able to provide you with better care if they know you are experiencing financial strain.
Some of the services they can help you access include:
Benefits Finder (Government of Canada)
This includes federal and provincial income supports and other programs.
Alberta supports
Information to help you find and apply for family and social supports.
Free community tax clinics
You may be missing out on income benefits, like GST/HST credits, child benefits, and working income tax benefits, if you do not file your taxes. Many community organizations host free tax clinics to help eligible people get their taxes done for free.
LawCentral Alberta
Information to help link people in Alberta to legal information and help.
Free Food in Alberta directories
A list of food banks, food hampers, and free meals available in different communities in Alberta. These directories include program details, locations, and contact information.
To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/pages/conditions.aspx?Hwid=custom.ab_food_insecurity_inst.
For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.
Current as of: January 25, 2022
Author: Nutrition Services, Alberta Health Services
This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.
