Monthly visits to food banks in Canada have reached a record high of approximately 2.35 million, according to the latest HungerCount report from Food Banks Canada. The surge is driven by a cost-of-living crisis that has left nearly 10 million people across the country struggling to afford basic necessities.
Why is food bank use rising?
The increase is largely attributed to sharp rises in essential expenses since 2021. During this period, food prices climbed by roughly 30 per cent, while housing costs rose by 28 per cent and transportation expenses increased by nearly 24 per cent. These mounting pressures have forced many to choose between paying rent and buying groceries.
Key demographic shifts noted in the report include:
- Children account for 32.5 per cent of all visits, totaling nearly 776,000 monthly trips.
- The percentage of clients who are employed has risen from 12.2 per cent in 2019 to 18 per cent today.
- Single-person households remain the most frequent type of household seeking assistance.
How are communities responding to the crisis?
Food banks are under immense strain, with one in five reporting they run out of food before all clients are served. Food Banks Canada CEO Kirstin Beardsley noted that many people who previously donated are now the ones requiring assistance, stating, "A job is not enough to ensure that you are not in need of a food bank anymore."
While the federal government's Canada Groceries and Essential Benefit is viewed as a positive step, advocates argue it does not sufficiently address the needs of northern regions where transport costs inflate grocery prices. To combat the trend, the report suggests several policy changes, including doubling the Canada Workers Benefit and investing $500 million into food bank infrastructure.
FAQ
Which provinces see the most visits?
Ontario recorded the highest number of monthly visits at 846,724, followed by Quebec with 785,889.
How much has demand increased since 2019?
Monthly visits have increased by 117 per cent since 2019.
