Scurvy Resurgence Highlights Food Insecurity in Canada
A surge of scurvy cases in Canada, a disease historically associated with malnourished sailors of the 18th century, has highlighted the country’s growing food insecurity problem. Recent diagnoses in Saskatchewan and Ontario point to systemic issues that critics say reflect failures in governance and policy.
In November, doctors in La Ronge, Saskatchewan, confirmed 27 cases of scurvy among residents. Testing revealed severe vitamin C deficiencies in over half of patients screened. Experts say the findings showcase the harsh realities of rural poverty, where access to fresh produce is limited by exorbitant costs and unreliable supply chains.
Food insecurity in Canada has climbed to alarming levels. Data from Statistics Canada shows that nearly 23 percent of households struggled to access adequate food in 2023, up from 18 percent the year prior. Northern communities, such as those in Saskatchewan, face even harsher challenges. Grocery prices in these areas are significantly higher than the national average, with families in the Far North paying up to $464 a week for basic nutritional needs, according to a 2022 provincial report.
The reemergence of scurvy has been attributed to diets devoid of fresh fruits and vegetables, foods that have become luxuries for many Canadians. In one Saskatchewan grocery store, milk was priced at $18 per jug, apples at $15 per bag, and grapes at $20 per package, according to photos shared by locals. These costs, along with with rising inflation and stagnant wages, have pushed families to prioritize calorie-dense, non-perishable foods over fresh alternatives.
The federal government has cited global supply chain disruptions, climate challenges, and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as contributing factors to rising food prices. While Ottawa has announced an investigation into alleged price gouging by grocery retailers, critics argue that more action is needed. Some provinces, like Manitoba, have paused gas taxes to alleviate financial strain.
‘Canary in the coal mine’
Public health experts warn that scurvy may be a "canary in the coal mine," signaling deeper nutritional deficiencies in vulnerable populations. Studies indicate that individuals experiencing poverty often face compounding barriers, including social isolation and limited access to medical care. In one recent Toronto case, a woman with undetectable vitamin C levels reported a diet of canned soup, white bread, and processed cheese due to her financial constraints and chronic health conditions.
(Image courtesy Canadian Medical Association Journal)
The implications of food insecurity extend far beyond individual health. Advocates say these issues highlight structural problems in resource distribution, particularly in northern and indigenous communities. Valerie Tarasuk, a professor at the University of Toronto’s Department of Nutritional Sciences, and head of PROOF, a research group investigating food insecurity in Canada, told Glacier Media that the case of scurvy offers a “vivid example” of what can happen to someone when they don't have fresh food to eat.
“As prices have risen and more and more people are getting pushed to the margins, it makes sense that, day after day after day, if they're eating a really compromised diet,” said Tarasuk.
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Despite Canada’s position as one of the wealthiest nations globally, food bank visits have reached record highs, with nearly 2 million reported last year. This marks a 78 percent increase compared to pre-COVID-19 levels, according to Food Banks Canada.
The Trudeau government, which has long vowed to address inequality and ensure Canadians “don’t fall through the cracks,” faces mounting condemnation for its inability to tackle critical domestic challenges. From rising food insecurity and increasing homelessness to a strained healthcare system leaving millions without access to primary care, systemic failures are becoming impossible to ignore.
Even with $443 million in new annual spending to reduce homelessness—a staggering 374 percent increase from previous levels—the number of people without shelter has grown by 20 percent, according to the Parliamentary Budget Officer. Similarly, the resurgence of scurvy in one of the world’s wealthiest nations reflects the cavernous gap between the federal government’s promises and the realities faced by Canadians.
