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Muskoka is known for its spectacular natural environment, but behind the postcard image, a growing number of residents are struggling to put food on the table. Here in Muskoka, more residents are turning to food banks and community programs just to get through the week, making food security an urgent issue.
Climate change amplifies these challenges, disproportionately affecting those with fewer financial resources. Rising food prices, extreme weather that can lead to power outages and spoiled food, and flooding that damages homes are all harder to manage for households already under pressure.
Unfortunately, Canadians will likely continue to see rising prices and supply chain disruptions as climate change affects food production. Key ways climate change will impact Muskoka’s food supply include:
- Increasing heat waves and droughts - this makes it hard for farmers to sustain their crops as the soil can dry out more easily, and water tables run low. More water used also increases the costs to keep their crops growing.
- More pests and invasive insects – Milder temperatures allow pests to survive and spread, threatening crops and increasing reliance on pesticides.
- Variable spring and fall temperatures – Given the abundance of fruit trees in the Niagara region and all the way north to Barrie these are important crops for the province’s farmers, and they are very vulnerable to temperature fluctuations and as consumers.
- More frequent and severe weather events– Ice storms, intense wind and thunderstorms can wreak havoc on crops like fruit trees, and heavy rainfall can drown fields of soybeans and corn. Too much rain can cause soil erosion as well, leaching out the nutrients from the soil.
Impacts on Indigenous food systems – Climate change is reducing the availability, accessibility, and quality of traditionally harvested foods, which play an essential role in community health, cultural identity, and well-being.
Food security connects how available, accessible and usable food is. All three of these areas will be impacted as food will become less available. Harvests are reduced, prices may rise, and soil degradation may reduce nutritional value. Increased costs for farmers ultimately mean increased costs for everyone. While looking into a food insecure future can be scary, there are things we can do now to support a more robust and adaptable food system, to buffer ourselves from these climate change impacts and build a more resilient food system in Muskoka.
How You Can Take Action
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Start a garden at home - If you have a yard, a balcony or a porch, you can grow things like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, strawberries and herbs easily. Some neighbourhoods have shared community gardens that always need extra hands!
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Buy and support local food producers - There are several farmers markets throughout Muskoka from spring to fall, with various local producers. By supporting local, Muskoka residents can support a more robust and resilient food system.
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Reduce food waste - With food prices rising, buying smarter saves money and reduces environmental impact. Meal plan for the week, save or freeze leftovers and compost any waste. A great way to repurpose vegetable scraps and peels is to collect them all in a bag in the freezer and then use them to make vegetable stock.
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Choose a plant-based meal more often - Eating fewer meat and dairy products is good for both the climate and your wallet. (10% of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions are from crop and livestock production1) Plant-based protein sources like tofu, beans and lentils have a significantly reduced emissions footprint and use less water and resources to produce. Even just one day a week like “meatless Mondays” can make a difference.
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Donate to local food banks - While we wish the need was not there, it unfortunately is, and if you are in a position to donate to any of our local food banks, it is much appreciated. Either monetary or shelf-stable food donations, anything you can provide is helpful.
From understanding climate impacts to taking meaningful action, there are many ways we can support a more resilient food system in Muskoka.
Want to know more about how to take action?
Explore food related actions as you work toward Bronze, Silver and then Gold Climate Hero status!
Check us out and join the District’s Climate Hero Program!
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