Food Insecurity Crisis: One in Four Canadians Struggling to Put Food on the Table

Person making a donation of food.

A new report from Statistics Canada (Source) reveals that food insecurity has reached alarming levels in Canada, with 25.5% of the population – roughly one in four Canadians – struggling to access adequate food in 2023. This crisis paints a stark picture of growing inequality in one of the world's wealthiest nations.

The numbers are even more disturbing for vulnerable populations. Nearly half (47.8%) of single-parent families face food insecurity, highlighting the unique challenges of raising children on a single income. In Halton single mother families find themselves more often in lower income situations that single father families. in In 2021, the number of single mother families in Halton has reached 18,300, representing for 11% of all families. Between 2001 and 2021, the number of single mothers increased by 83% surpassing the 57% growth rate for all families. (Source)

In Halton there is increasing use of food security programs. An the individuals and families accessing food insecurity programs are experiencing multiples challenges: housing, employment and income. All intersecting with food insecurity. Current data from the 2024 Ontario Nutritious Food Basket (ONFB) survey show that to provide a

basic healthy diet for the reference family of four (adults aged 31-50, a 14-year-old boy, and an 8-year-old girl), the weekly cost is $290.57. The results revealed that households receiving Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), or earning minimum wage cannot afford both rent and nutritious food while meeting other basic needs. This financial strain likely forces more low-income

households to rely on food banks. Household food insecurity is a serious public health concern that negatively impacts physical and mental health, social well-being, life expectancy, and costs our healthcare system. The findings highlight how food insecurity directly contributes to poor health outcomes and related health costs. (Source)

As Canada and our communities in Halton grapple with these challenges, the data clearly signals the need for targeted interventions to address food insecurity, particularly for single-parent families, and other vulnerable populations. The question remains: how will policymakers respond to this growing crisis affecting millions of Canadian households?