Neil Hetherington, the head of the Daily Bread Food Bank, says food banks in Toronto are now helping more than one out of every ten residents in the city. CBC
Greg Cowie survives on disability support. After paying rent, he has about $300 left each month for food. He stretches every dollar. A small roast becomes thin slices for weeks. Cheaper meals like hot dogs and canned ravioli fill the gaps. Sharing a home with a roommate helps lower costs.
"If you shop for groceries, you know it's about $150 a week to have a comfortable meal," Cowie said while shopping in London, Ont. "So all in all, the cost of living is uncomfortable, difficult."
His story reflects the reality for millions of Canadians.
A Failing Grade
Food Banks Canada released its annual report card this week. The group gave Canada a grade of D. It says food insecurity has risen 40 per cent in just two years. The report estimates more than one in four Canadians now struggle to afford food.
Ontario’s Growing Emergency
Ontario is at the centre of the crisis. Toronto’s Daily Bread Food Bank says demand has exploded.
"We need to feed more than one in 10 Torontonians," said CEO Neil Hetherington. "We’re seeing the horrific stats play out on the ground."
Daily Bread served 50 million meals in 2024. Four years ago, that number was 10 million.
Several Ontario cities have declared food insecurity emergencies, including Toronto, Mississauga, Kingston, Orillia, and others.
Early Signs of Hope
The report notes some progress. Federal dental care, housing investments, and plans for a school food program may help. Hetherington says change will take time.
He calls for stronger disability benefits. "Somebody on disability income is living in deep poverty," he said.
Struggles for Youth and Families
Unemployment has risen 34 per cent in two years. Young Canadians feel the brunt of it. Hetherington says reforms to employment insurance are vital. "We want to make sure every Canadian has the chance to thrive," he said.
Kirstin Beardsley, CEO of Food Banks Canada, says families are spending most of their income on rent. That leaves little left for food. "A full 25.5% of the Canadian population is experiencing food insecurity," she said.
Experts Sound Alarm
Not everyone is hopeful. Valerie Tarasuk, a University of Toronto professor, says the situation is worsening.
"We have a very serious problem with food insecurity in Canada," she said. "In the last few years, it's gotten a lot worse." She believes income support is the real issue, not just housing.
What Comes Next
Beardsley says food banks cannot keep up. "The growth we’ve seen at food banks is unsustainable," she said.
The report urges action: automatic tax filing, stronger child benefits, modernized EI, and a Groceries and Essentials Benefit.
Government ministers say solutions are underway. A national school food program, announced in 2024, aims to feed students in need.
