Our last report outlined Canada’s 40-year high inflation rate and the devastating impact of the cost-of-living crisis on people experiencing poverty.  

Since then, the unprecedented demand for emergency food access services has only escalated as inflationary pressures, unaffordable housing, and insufficient income drive food insecurity to unparalleled levels. 

Our 2023 mid-year update, which covers the first half of our fiscal year, shows an alarming 91% increase in new food bank memberships compared to the same time period last year. It’s also more expensive to deliver our programs: we saw an 11% increase in the cost of a single food hamper—from $54 to $60. This is indicative of the growing need for emergency support as inflationary pressures, unaffordable housing, and insufficient income economically destabilize individuals and families. 

Despite these challenges, we maintain our steadfast commitment to increasing access to healthy food, building community through our engaging programs, and anti-poverty advocacy.  

Read the full report, which outlines key highlights and data from the first six months of our fiscal year.  

Thank you for being part of our community.