A look at some of the staggering statistics behind the national crisis
Like high gas prices and rising rents, the food inflation story has made headlines in recent months. As food prices skyrocket and the cost of many staple foods continues to rise, it has contributed to the already rampant problem of rising food insecurity across Canada. Here’s a look at the staggering numbers behind a crisis that affects millions:
7 million
The number of Canadians struggling with food insecurity
According to Canada Food Banks, 7 million Canadians reported experiencing hunger at least once between March 2020 and 2022, that’s more than one in five people across the country. The survey also found that 23 per cent of Canadians reported eating less than necessary because they did not have enough money to buy food.
8.8 percent
The increase in the cost of food
According to Statistics Canada, the consumer inflation rate rose to 8.1% in June, and food and grocery costs rose 8.8%, the largest year-over-year increase since January 1983.
20 percent
Increased visits to food banks during the pandemic
In March 2021, visits to Canadian food banks reached levels not seen since the 2008 recession. According to Canada Food Banksa third of the people accessing food banks are children.
70
The percentage of Nunavut residents experiencing food insecurity
About 70 percent of Inuit households in Nunavut are food insecure. The rate of household food insecurity is eight times higher than the national average, and skyrocketing grocery prices are largely to blame. Boxes of water in Iqaluit are priced up to $29.99, which is even more problematic given the many boil water advisories in the area. (Last year, an order not to consume lasted almost two months after a fuel contamination accident.)
8.7
Percentage of food bank users who are older adults
Seniors make up 8.7 percent of Canadians who regularly visit food banks. According to the Food Banks of Canadatheir rate of increase significantly exceeds other groups.
3 times
The probability of food insecurity among people with disabilities compared to people without disabilities
A University of Toronto Study 2021 found that 65 percent of respondents whose main income was The Ontario Disability Support Program or the Canada Pension Plan were food insecure. Other studies have shown that people with disabilities are three times more likely to be food insecure than people without disabilities.
24
Canada Global Affordability Ranking
In 2019, Canada’s food affordability ranked 18th in the world. In 2021, Canada fell to 24th place, according to the Global Food Security Index.
5 to 7 percent
The expected increase for the rest of the year
Canada Food Price Report, an annual study published by four Canadian universities, predicts that overall food prices will continue to rise, with the cost of dairy products expected to rise by up to 8%, fruits by up to 5% and vegetables by up to 7%. . and restaurant prices up to 8 percent. According to the report, the average family will have to spend $966 more on groceries than last year.
This story is part of a series on food insecurity in Canada funded by the Maple Leaf Center for Food Safetyin alliance with Community Food Centers Canada.