Food bank usage in Canada has reached unprecedented levels, with more than 2 million visits recorded in March 2024, marking a 6% increase from 2023 and a staggering 90% rise since 2019, according to Food Banks Canada’s annual HungerCount report released Monday.

The surge represents a dramatic shift in food bank utilization, taking about 25 years to reach its first million monthly visits but only five years to add the second million. Nearly one-third of visits (33%) were children, accounting for approximately 681,450 visits.

A record 18.1% of food bank users report employment as their main income source, up from 16.7% last year. When including those receiving employment insurance, 22% of users are connected to the labor force. The statistics highlight the growing impact of inflation, with Statistics Canada reporting food costs increased 7.8% and shelter costs 5.6%.

Almost 70% of clients live in market rental housing, while 40% rely on provincial social assistance as their primary income source. The report reveals significant demographic shifts, with 32% of users being newcomers who have lived in Canada for less than 10 years, and 45.5% identifying as members of racialized groups, up from 39.3% in 2023.

Food banks are struggling to meet the increased demand, with 30% reporting they ran out of food before meeting needs, while 56% reduced food portions to avoid shortages. According to Statistics Canada data cited in the report, 23% of Canadians now live in food-insecure households, affecting nearly 9 million people.

The crisis is particularly severe in Canada’s northern territories, where food costs can be two to three times higher than in southern regions. In Nunavut, 62.6% of residents experience food insecurity.

The report indicates the situation may worsen, with Statistics Canada showing 23% of Canadians say they are likely to need food bank assistance in the next six months, rising to 28% for families with children.

Food Banks Canada is advocating for various policy changes, including improved income support programs, housing affordability measures, and specific assistance for northern communities to address the escalating crisis.

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