Food insecurity hits one in four Canadian households

It's becoming harder for many Canadians to put food on the table, as new data reveals that a staggering one-in-four now struggle with food insecurity.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

It's becoming harder for many Canadians to put food on the table, as new data reveals that a staggering one-in-four now struggle with food insecurity.

The problem of food insecurity is becoming ever more pervasive, with one-quarter of households now struggling to afford food. This includes going entire days without food or worrying about running out of supplies at home.

According to a new report from Food Banks Canada, there has been a 40 per cent increase in poverty over the last two years.

The charity released its 2025 Poverty Report Card, giving Canada an overall failing grade of “D.”

The grade reflects the federal government’s poverty reduction efforts.

“A clear picture that emerges from the data is the nationwide inadequacy of government support, which has worsened severely across the country,” reads the report.

“In 2023, just under half (45.9 per cent) of people who were receiving government support reported that it was not enough to meet their needs. In 2024, that figure rose to 50.8 per cent. It now stands at 65 per cent — or nearly 2 in 3 people who receive support”.

The report, based on data from the 2023 Canadian Income Survey and Statistics Canada, noted Food Banks Canada made 27 recommendations last year. Three from previous reports were fully acted on.

However, the charity said "very little progress was made in the context of the remaining 24 to address critical priorities and improve income security and close infrastructure gaps in northern communities."

The report called for the Carney government to adopt a national commitment to halve food insecurity by the end of the decade by "considering the introduction of an essentials and groceries benefit in addition to other policy changes to help improve access to quality and affordable food."

The report also recommended a food affordability impact assessment for all new tariff measures and trade disputes, especially those affecting basic household foods, to mitigate inflation.