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Food insecurity and food bank usage in Canada

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2026-10-21 11:54 UTC → 2026-10-22 09:46 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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 ~~more than 2.3~~ 2.35 million in March 2026, an 8.7 per cent increase from the previous March ~~record.~~ 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.~~ 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 ~~government interventions such as~~ federal economic reforms, including modernizing Employment Insurance, doubling the Canada Workers ~~Benefit~~ Benefit, and investing in $500 million into food infrastructure.

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