Food Banks Canada released the HungerCount 2024: Buckling Under the Strain Report, which documents food bank use in Canada. The study is a cross-sectional census survey of the majority of food bank agencies, organizations, and programs, within and outside of the Food Banks Canada network. According to the research, monthly food bank use reached a record high in March 2024, with over 2 million visits to food banks reported. From 2019 to 2024 there was a 90% increase in the number of food bank visits. From 2023 to 2024 there was a 6% increase in the number of food bank visits.
Food banks in Canada served 4,117,206 meals and snacks in 2024. Children comprised 33% of food bank visits, representing 700,000 visits, an increase of over 300,000 visits per month compared to five years ago. Single persons comprised 42% of food bank visits, the most common household type accessing food banks in Canada. Individuals on social assistance or disability-related supports comprised 40% of food bank visits. A key data point from the report, 18% of food bank clients are currently employed, marking the highest proportion ever reported.
To access additional findings, download the HungerCount 2024: Buckling Under the Strain Report here.