Food Banks Canada Hunger Report

Food Banks Canada says there were over 2 million visits to food banks in Canada in March, the highest number in history.

Food bank visits are at an unprecedented level, surpassing even last year’s record-breaking numbers, representing a 6 per cent increase compared to 2023, and a 90 per cent increase compared to 2019.

In addition, the group says there are signs that the food-banking system is reaching its absolute limit.

The record level of usage is consistent with record high rates of food insecurity and reflects findings from other recent studies showing greater numbers of people experiencing economic hardship.

This year’s increase is happening against the backdrop of the ongoing affordability crisis and an uptick in unemployment rates, including a significant increase in unemployment rates among recent newcomers than in previous years.

The proportion of children under 18 accessing food banks in Canada continues to hold steady at 33% of food bank clients; however, given the growth of food bank usage since the pre-pandemic period, that 33% now represents nearly 700,000 visits — an increase of over 300,000 visits per month compared to five years ago.

In addition, there has been a concurrent significant increase in two-parent households with children under 18 accessing food banks — this group has grown from representing 18.8% of food bank visits in 2019 to nearly 23% in 2024.