Nearly a third of Canadians skipping meals due to food insecurity: survey

The Salvation Army released its annual national poverty survey, revealing a concerning trend of food insecurity across Canada. The survey, which polled over 1,500 Canadians, found that 31% of respondents skipped meals or reduced their meal sizes due to financial constraints, up from 27% the previous year. This is especially alarming for young Canadians aged 18-34, with 41% reporting they skipped meals, 10 percentage points higher than the national average.

Moreover, 23% of this age group utilized food support services. The survey also noted an increase in people turning to community resources, with 15% of respondents reporting they used food banks, compared to 11% last year. The survey suggests Canadians are increasingly concerned about the impact of U.S. tariffs on the economy and household expenses, with nearly nine in 10 respondents expressing worry over potential price spikes for daily necessities.

Half of the surveyed Canadians expressed concern over their ability to find affordable housing in their area that meets their needs, while 24% said they spend at least half of their after-tax income on housing costs. Many Canadians are also resorting to dipping into their savings (50%) or taking on debt (40%) to cover basic necessities.

Glenn van Gulik, a strategic engagement director for the Salvation Army, described the findings as "deeply concerning", highlighting that for many families, the challenge is no longer about cutting back on non-essentials, but making tough decisions between food, housing, and other essential needs.