# Food insecurity and food bank usage in Canada

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/food-insecurity-and-food-bank-usage-in-canada
> Updated: 2026-10-21T10:01:01.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

Reports indicate a significant rise in food insecurity across Canada, driven by escalating costs of living. In Manitoba, Harvest Manitoba reported that monthly food bank usage has grown by more than 150 per cent since 2020, with over 60,000 people seeking assistance in March. This demographic includes a rising number of seniors and children, who account for nearly half of those seeking help.

Nationally, Food Banks Canada reported that monthly visits reached a record high of 2.35 million in March 2026, an 8.7 per cent increase from the previous March and a 117 per cent rise since 2019. The HungerCount report suggests nearly 10 million Canadians are experiencing food insecurity. Primary drivers include a 30 per cent increase in food prices, a 28 per cent rise in housing costs, and a 24 per cent increase in transportation costs since 2021.

Approximately one-third of national visits, or nearly 776,000, were made by children. Food Banks Canada CEO Kirstin Beardsley noted that “employment no longer guarantees food security,” stating that 18 per cent of clients are currently employed, up from 12.2 per cent in 2019. Regional demand is high, with Ontario recording 846,724 visits and Quebec 785,889. In Quebec, Food Banks of Quebec reported fulfilling 3.27 million requests monthly, noting that 14 per cent of community organizations had to turn people away due to shortages.

The organization is advocating for federal economic reforms, including modernizing Employment Insurance, doubling the Canada Workers Benefit, and investing $500 million into food infrastructure.

## Claims

- Monthly food bank visits in Canada reached 2.35 million in March 2026. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Children account for nearly one-third of food bank visits. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Food bank visits increased 117% since 2019. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Approximately 18% of food bank clients are employed. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Food prices have increased by approximately 30% since 2021. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Housing costs have increased by 28% since 2021. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- One in five food banks in Canada are running out of food before meeting client needs. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Food Banks of Quebec reported 3.27 million requests fulfilled monthly. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-21: Canada food bank visits reach record 2.35 million monthly

Canada's food bank visits hit a record 2.35 million in March 2026, a 117% increase since 2019, driven by rising costs for food, housing, and transportation.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canada-food-bank-visits-reach-record-23-million-monthly

### 2026-09-24: Manitoba food bank usage exceeds 60,000 people monthly

A Harvest Manitoba report shows over 60,000 Manitobans rely on food banks monthly, a 150% increase since 2020, with children making up nearly half of those in need.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manitoba-food-bank-usage-exceeds-60000-people-monthly

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Cite as: Food insecurity and food bank usage in Canada. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/food-insecurity-and-food-bank-usage-in-canada