Food insecurity in Canada hits an all-time high
Food insecurity has reached an all-time high in Canada, but early signs of progress suggest that a turning point may be in sight, according to a new report.
Food Banks Canada released its 2025 Poverty Report Card on Tuesday, and the country received a failing grade in many categories, including the unemployment rate and food insecurity rate.
The report found that in two years, the food insecurity rate in Canada rose from 18.4 per cent to 25.5 per cent, which is an “alarming” 39 per cent increase.
Unemployment also increased by 34 per cent since 2023, with a significant impact on young people, according to Food Banks Canada.
“The country is falling short when it comes to youth unemployment, housing affordability and adequately-funded social supports,” reads the report.
Food Banks Canada
The country also received a failing grade for “people paying more than 30 per cent of their income on housing” (43 per cent of respondents said they are experiencing this).
Other categories that received an F were “people having trouble accessing healthcare” and “government support recipients who say rates are insufficient to keep up with the cost of living.” This section of the report is based on a survey of 10,000 people from across Canada.
Overall, the Canadian Government’s 2025 poverty reduction efforts received a D for a final grade.
While these findings are bleak, the report does see a light at the end of the tunnel, thanks to the implementation of some social programs.
“While governments have not yet taken action to meet the scale of the crisis, newly introduced programs – including ambitious poverty-reduction strategies, affordable housing pilots and new social programs like the Canadian Dental Care Plan and the National School Food Program – are showing early promise for greater adoption and expansion,” stated Food Banks Canada CEO Kirstin Beardsley.
“Food Banks Canada’s analysis shows that with bold collective action from all governments, we can make real and lasting change. It is possible to reduce food insecurity in Canada by 50 per cent by 2030,” she urged.
The report also advises Ottawa to enshrine automatic tax filing into law to “unlock billions in unclaimed benefits for low-income Canadians.”
The Canada Revenue Agency piloted an automatic tax filing system last year, resulting in 35,000 Canadians gaining $92 million in unclaimed benefits.
In addition, Food Banks Canada recommends that the government commit to bolstering the Canada Disability Benefit.
If you’re looking for a way to help combat food insecurity in Canada or need access to free groceries, here are some provincial resources to find food banks: