In a staggering and record-breaking year, over one million people in Ontario turned to food banks for assistance. According to a new report from Feed Ontario, food banks in the province were visited a total of 7.6 million times between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024—marking a 134% increase compared to 2019-2020.
The report also reveals that 1,001,150 unique individuals accessed food banks during this period, reflecting a 25% rise over the previous year, and further solidifying the growing food insecurity crisis in Ontario. This marks the eighth consecutive year of increasing food bank use in the province.
“When we released record-breaking data last year, we thought that was the high-water mark. But food bank use has only continued to climb as more Ontarians find themselves struggling to make ends meet,” said Carolyn Stewart, CEO of Feed Ontario. “When will our governments say enough is enough and take meaningful action against food insecurity and poverty?”
The rise in food bank use mirrors similar data from local organizations, such as Food Banks Mississauga, which noted that usage has nearly tripled in recent years, reaching historic highs. Feed Ontario attributes the crisis to several factors, including the rapid rise in the cost of living, stagnant wages, and a lack of affordable housing, all of which are pushing more people toward economic vulnerability.
Stewart highlighted that food banks across the province are struggling to keep up with the unprecedented demand. “Food banks cannot keep up with the unprecedented need they’re seeing,” she said. “Across the province, we are hearing reports of long lines, empty shelves, and a growing concern that some food banks may have to close their doors.”
With 69% of food banks reporting concerns about not having enough food and 53% worried about funding shortages, the strain is becoming unsustainable. Community support, which food banks primarily rely on, is also dwindling as more Ontarians face financial difficulties themselves.
Feed Ontario is urging the public to take action during Hunger Action Month this September by advocating for systemic changes. The organization calls for improvements to Ontario’s social assistance programs, better quality employment opportunities, and investments in affordable housing to help make the cost of living more manageable for residents.
“Food banks were only ever designed to be a temporary measure. They were never meant to patch holes left in our weak social safety nets. We need to act now,” Stewart emphasized.
Despite the challenges, Stewart remains hopeful about the possibility of creating a more food-secure province. “If we work together, we can build a better future where everyone in Ontario has access to the food they need. Together, we can achieve an Ontario where everyone is food secure,” she said.
For more information or to get involved, visit the Feed Ontario website.