Ontario food banks are facing an unprecedented crisis as the 2024 Hunger Report reveals record-breaking demand. Over 1 million individuals accessed food banks between April 2023 and March 2024, marking a 25% increase from the previous year and an 86% rise since 2019. These figures show that 1 in 16 Ontarians relies on food banks, exceeding the population of Nova Scotia.
“People only turn to food banks after they’ve exhausted all other options – and yet over one million Ontarians still needed our help,” said Carolyn Stewart, CEO of Feed Ontario. “This is the highest number of people on record, and is occurring at a time when donations are declining as more individuals can no longer afford to give. As a result, food banks are being stretched beyond their capacity and running out of resources at a time when people and families need them the most.”
The affordability crisis, driven by high housing costs and precarious employment, has left many families with no option but to seek support. Alarmingly, two in five food bank visitors were first-time users. In addition, shrinking donations due to economic pressure have reduced the capacity of food banks to serve the growing need.
Key challenges include unaffordable housing, with 76% of visitors renting and 9% experiencing homelessness. Employment remains a fragile solution, as 1 in 4 visitors is employed, yet 42% earn minimum wage or less. Social assistance programs like Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) provide inadequate support, leaving recipients far below the poverty line.
Food banks are struggling to meet demand, with 38% reducing food support and half cutting wrap-around programs. Feed Ontario stresses that food banks are not a solution to poverty but a response to systemic failures. Immediate policy action is needed to address poverty and improve affordability in Ontario.
To learn more or to donate, visit Feed Ontario’s website.