Food banks across Canada are facing an unprecedented crisis, as over two million visits were recorded within a single month, marking the highest demand in Canadian history. According to the 2024 HungerCount Report released by Food Banks Canada, the network of food banks is straining under a record-breaking surge in need. Carolyn Stewart, CEO of Feed Ontario, described the situation as a “tipping point,” as more food banks struggle to keep up with demand.
The report revealed that nearly 30 percent of food banks have run out of supplies before fulfilling all requests, with over half of them distributing reduced amounts to conserve resources. Data from the survey shows that March 2024 alone saw a 6 percent rise in visits compared to 2023 and a staggering 90 percent increase from 2019, highlighting an alarming trend fueled by inflation and rising costs of living.
One concerning shift is the rising number of employed individuals accessing food banks, now at an all-time high of 18.1 percent, as economic pressures make it increasingly challenging for working Canadians to make ends meet. Additionally, children account for approximately one-third of all food bank clients, amounting to nearly 700,000 visits.
Programs like the School Pantry in York Region are struggling to sustain food access for vulnerable students and their families, relying on teacher volunteers and limited resources to maintain essential services. As demand continues to outpace capacity, food banks and support programs are exploring difficult decisions to continue providing aid amid an escalating crisis.