As many as 120,000 Nova Scotians do not have the money for healthy foods on a regular basis, according to a new study.

The 2007 food costing report, released Tuesday, puts the average monthly cost of a nutritious, no-frills diet for a family of four at $648.33, up 13 per cent since 2002.

"Food security has consequences," said Lindsay Corbin, co-chair of the Nova Scotia Nutrition Council, "for individuals, communities and for larger systems such as our health-care system."

Researchers at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax tracked income and the cost of items in the National Nutritious Health Basket — 66 core foods that are minimally processed, widely available and can provide a balanced diet.

They found that many families struggle to pay for healthy foods, with some even forgoing a nutritious diet to cover the cost of other basic needs.

In fact, the researchers say, families relying on income assistance would likely spend $79.89 more than they have every month if they tried to buy nutritious food.

Relying on meat and potatoes

Single mother Beatrice White understands that struggle. For six years, she kept records of her efforts to feed herself and her two children for the researchers.

"A lot of times the money is not there. It's cheaper for me to go buy a roll of bologna and some french fries than a roast, and potatoes and carrots a lot of times," said White.

"I have bought food and had my phone cut off. Then if something happens with my kids, no one can get hold of me."

White said many people may find it embarrassing to speak out about their struggles to pay for healthy food, but she plans to push for public policy changes.

There were 120,000 Nova Scotians living below the poverty line in 2005, the most current year for data, the study notes.