In 2022, Statistics Canada reported that almost 10% of Canada’s population fell below Canada’s official poverty line, an increase of 2.5% from the previous year. At the same time, 5% of Canadians were living in deep income poverty. Although deep income poverty had dropped from 7.4% in 2016 to 3% in 2020, this percentage of individuals with family disposable income below 75% of the poverty line began a steady rise in 2020. 

In May 2024, The Financial Post blamed the country’s high cost of living and housing for pushing the country to “a critical turning point.” This assessment was based on Food Banks Canada’s 2024 Poverty Report Card that over 44% of people felt worse off than the previous year, with the Food Insecurity Rate of 22.9% earning the country a grade of F on that poverty measure compared to a C for 2023. Poverty was distributed inequitably by age, household structure and living situation, race (“visible minority”) and Indigenous identity. Inflation and housing costs have increased financial pressure, with 32% of people reported to be struggling to access affordable and fresh food. 

5 Facts About Hunger in Canada

1. Food insecurity is increasing in 2024. Food Banks Canada’s 2024 Report Card indicates that 25% of Canadians are experiencing food insecurity. A 50% increase in visits to food banks since 2021 was reported. The organization is calling for “sustained, collective effort from all governments”—national and regional. 
2. Living arrangements are a contributor to inequalities in food security. The prevalence of household food insecurity is two to three times higher in households with older adults living alone, single parents living with children, and youth living with a single parent. 
3. Low household income individuals disproportionately suffer from food insecurity. Almost 10% of Canadians had a disposable income below Canada’s Official Poverty Line, with food insecurity of 34% for those in poverty more than double that for those not living in poverty (15%). This was an increase from three years prior of 3.6% for those in poverty and 5.8% for those not in poverty. 
4. Households with senior citizens are least likely to suffer from food insecurity. Canada’s Pension Plan (CPP) is designed to replace part of a person’s income when they retire. This financial support may contribute to the fact that the rate of food insecurity is lower in these households. Data published in 2022 show food insecurity impacting 2.7-3.9% of older adults (men-women, 65+ years) while affecting 6.6-9% of adults (men-women, 18+) and over 13% of youth (12-17). 
5. Indigenous people and racialized groups are at higher risk of food insecurity. The rate of food insecurity for racialized groups in 2022 was 20.7%. But even within this demographic, experience varied, with 31.9% food insecurity for Black Canadians, 17.6% for South Asian Canadians, and 13.4% for Chinese Canadians. For Indigenous people over the age of 15, the rate was 28.6%, almost double that for the comparative group of non-Indigenous people (15.7%). 

Addressing Food Insecurity

One group addressing Canada’s hunger issues is Food Secure Canada. This alliance of individuals and organizations has worked with communities across the country for 20 years to encourage food policies and programs in support of “just, healthy, and sustainable food systems.” The organization’s activities include research projects and knowledge-based activities, policy campaigns, and events and networking activities. For example, in November 2023, they held an Indigenous & Black Peoples’ Food Sovereignty Advisory Circle planning project in British Columbia. Other activities include a Youth Caucus and the Coalition for Healthy School Food—with more than 260 member organizations, Canada’s largest school food network. 

– Staff Reports
Photo: Flickr

Updated: August 20, 2024