Salvation Army survey finds rising food insecurity in Canada

Rising food insecurity

The Salvation Army’s 2026 Poverty and Socioeconomic Analysis found that 31 per cent of Canadians skipped meals or reduced meal sizes because they could not afford food, an increase from 27 per cent last year, according to the report. The survey, which was conducted among a nationally representative sample of Canadians in September, also noted that the number of people using community supports like food banks rose to 15 per cent, up from 11 per cent the previous year.

Impact on young people

Younger demographics reported higher rates of food insecurity. According to the research conducted by Edelman Data and Intelligence on behalf of the Salvation Army, 41 per cent of respondents aged 18-34 reported skipping meals, which is 10 percentage points higher than the national average. Additionally, 23 per cent of those in the 18-34 age group reported accessing food supports.

Economic pressures and trade concerns

Financial pressures related to housing and trade disputes were significant factors in the survey results:

• Housing: 24 per cent of Canadians surveyed reported spending at least half of their after-tax household income on shelter costs. Additionally, 50 per cent of respondents said they were not confident they could find another affordable home in their area that met their household needs.
• Trade: Nearly nine in 10 respondents expressed worry that US-Canada trade disputes would cause prices for everyday goods to spike. Furthermore, 58 per cent of people reported that their household has felt a financial impact because of the trade war.
• Savings and Debt: To provide for basic needs, 50 per cent of Canadians said they dipped into savings, while 40 per cent reported taking on debt or using credit.

Regional findings in Ontario

In Ontario, the report indicated that 32 per cent of residents reported skipping or reducing meals because they could not afford groceries. The survey also found that 28 per cent of Ontarians spend at least half of their after-tax household income on shelter costs. In Ontario, 48 per cent of respondents admitted to dipping into savings to afford basic needs, 38 per cent said they are using credit, and 30 per cent are delaying or missing bill payments.

Sources

• victorianow.com: 5 things you need to know this morning: Nov. 3, 2026
• cknxnewstoday.ca: Salvation Army survey shows some Ontarians skipping, reducing meals because of cost
• globalnews.ca: Nearly a third of Canadians skipping meals due to food insecurity: survey - National | Globalnews.ca

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.