Monthly food bank use soars to record 2 million, driven by cost of groceries, housing

Canada's reliance on food banks has soared to a grim new milestone, according to data from Food Banks Canada.

Canada's reliance on food banks has soared to a grim new milestone, according to data from Food Banks Canada.

The organization says it recorded more than two million visits in March 2024 -- nearly double the monthly visits five years ago in March 2019, and six per cent above last year's record-breaking figure.

Its annual survey of food bank use in Canada says rapid inflation, housing costs and insufficient social supports are driving poverty and food insecurity.

That includes outsized demand from renters, racialized groups, people with disabilities, newcomers to Canada and residents across the North, and a "deeply concerning" need among seniors and families with children.

Food Banks Canada CEO Kirstin Beardsley says food banks are being pushed to "the brink" and low-income Canadians need help immediately.

The report calls on governments to introduce measures that include rent assistance and a monthly payment to low-income groups to help off-set rent and food costs.

"HungerCount 2024," released Monday, says there were 2,059,636 visits to food banks across Canada in March 2024 -- up six per cent from 2023 and 90 per cent from 2019.