Rising Rent and Food Costs Drive Canadians to Food Banks 2 Million Times in a Month

Skyrocketing inflation puts pressure on household budgets, forcing more Canadians to seek food assistance.

The escalating cost of living in Canada has pushed a record number of people to rely on food banks. In March 2023, Canadians made 2 million visits to food banks, a 35% increase compared to the same month last year, according to Food Banks Canada.

Affordability Crisis Fuels Food Insecurity

The surge in food bank usage reflects the deepening affordability crisis faced by many Canadians. Rent and food prices have soared in recent months, outpacing wage growth. Statistics Canada reported that the consumer price index jumped by 6.7% in March compared to the previous year, the highest annual increase since 1991.

The rising cost of housing has been a major factor in the increased demand for food assistance. According to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Canada increased by 10.1% in the past year. In some cities, such as Vancouver and Toronto, rent increases have been even steeper.