Canada, known for its high quality of life and excellent food products, is facing a paradox. While food inflation is on a downward trend, food insecurity remains a persistent issue affecting millions.
As of 2023, almost 23% of the population experienced food insecurity, which is defined as the lack of reliable access to enough affordable, nutritious food.
Food inflation, which peaked at over 10% in early 2023, has moderated significantly to about 2.3% by April 2024. This reduction is largely due to better global agricultural supplies and smoother supply chains.
However, this decrease in inflation has not translated into increased food security. Statistics Canada reports that food insecurity rates remain high, with a continuing decline in real spending on food per capita projected to extend through 2024.
The most affected are the lower-income households, which spend over 20% of their disposable income on food, compared to around 10% for average income and 5% for high-income households. These figures underline the disproportionate impact of food prices on poorer Canadians.
To combat this issue, initiatives like the FCC’s Drive Away Hunger program have been crucial. In 2023, this program mobilized resources across the Canadian food industry to provide more than 140 million meals to those in need through partnerships with organizations like Food Banks Canada and Second Harvest Canada.
Addressing food insecurity effectively requires a comprehensive strategy that enhances productivity from the farm to the retail level, improving the availability and affordability of food.
Collaborative efforts continue to mitigate the impact of high food costs on Canadians, striving to ensure that fewer households face the tough choice of going hungry.
Small farmers are often generous with donations to local food banks and related organizations. To share what you do to help a local charity with food security, please email Julie Harlow.