Food bank visits
One-third of food bank clients are children – representing nearly 700,000 monthly visits in 2024. That is an increase of over 300,000 visits per month from five years prior. Relatedly, 23% are two-parent families with children, compared to 19% in 2019.
In contrast, 42% are single.
Nearly one-fifth of food bank clients (18%) are employed, compared to roughly one in 10 (12%) in 2019. As well, almost one in 10 receive pension income.
Nearly 70% of food bank clients live in market rent housing.
Just under one-third (32%) of food bank clients are newcomers to Canada – who have been in the country for 10 years or less.
Finally, 40% are on social assistance or disability-related supports.
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Start Trading TodayProvincial visits
Food banks across Canada served 4,117,206 meals in March 2024. Ontario saw the most that month with 736,335, marking a 116.8% increase from five years ago.
Quebec and BC were close behind with 721,318 and 225,605 visits, marking a 109% and 80.9% increase from 2019, respectively.
The smallest increase was Newfoundland at 33% with 14,236 visits.
"Food Banks Canada believes that a dual-path approach is the way forward. We need governments to rapidly introduce income policies that will provide much-needed relief for the millions of people struggling right now,” Beardsley said.
Low-income workers, single adults, renters and communities in the north need better supports and we encourage all Canadians to help us call on governments to repair the social safety net that lies in tatters after decades of neglect. Every action gets us one step closer to a future in Canada where no one goes hungry. Help us drive change.”
Food Banks Canada comprises over 5,500 food banks and community organizations. Since 2010, it has shared over $829 million in food supports and over $245 million in funding.
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