A recent study has revealed a concerning trend in Canada: even individuals employed full-time are finding it increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities like food. This revelation underscores the escalating affordability crisis affecting many working Canadians, despite being employed. Food Banks Canada reports that nearly 20% of their clients are employed, a figure that has been steadily rising since 2019.
The Canada Food Price Report 2026 forecasts that food prices will continue to climb, projecting a 4% to 6% increase this year. An average family of four could spend up to $17,571.79 on food annually, nearly $1000 more than just one year prior. Beef and coffee, in particular, have seen significant price jumps, with beef up 16.8% and coffee soaring by 30.8% year-over-year.
This situation has led to a surge in food bank usage across the country. In March 2025, visits to food banks had doubled since 2019, with nearly 2.2 million visits recorded. CEO of Food Banks Canada, Kirstin Beardsley, emphasizes the urgency of the crisis, stating that more than one in four people in Canada are experiencing food insecurity. One-third of food bank users are children, a particularly vulnerable group.
The federal government has introduced the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) to help low- and modest-income Canadians afford essentials. The CGEB will increase the GST/HST credit, providing additional support to those most affected by rising food prices. While this is a step in the right direction, some experts argue that the increase is not enough to fully offset the rising costs of essentials. Food Banks Canada and Walmart Canada have also launched the 2026 "Fight Hunger. Spark Change." campaign, aiming to raise funds and collect essential items for local food banks. The campaign has generated millions of meals for Canadians in need.
