Rising inflation and the growing cost of living are making life increasingly difficult for Canadians, with nearly one in three residents struggling to afford enough food. A growing number of people are being forced to skip meals or reduce their food consumption because grocery prices have become unaffordable.
Young Canadians are particularly affected by food insecurity, while trade tensions with the United States and tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump are adding further pressure on the Canadian economy and household budgets.
According to the Salvation Army’s 2026 annual report on poverty and socioeconomic conditions, food insecurity in Canada has worsened compared with last year. The survey collected responses from more than 1,500 Canadians.
The report found that 31 per cent of respondents had skipped meals or reduced the amount of food they consumed because they could not afford groceries. This represents an increase from 27 per cent recorded last year, highlighting the growing severity of food insecurity across the country.
More Canadians Turning to Food Banks for Assistance
The report also revealed an increase in the number of people relying on food banks and community support organizations to meet their basic food needs.
This year, 15 per cent of survey respondents said they had received assistance from food banks or other community organizations to obtain food, compared with 11 per cent last year.
The survey was conducted for the Salvation Army by Edelman Data and Intelligence and highlighted particularly concerning conditions among younger Canadians.
Young Canadians Facing the Greatest Food Insecurity
Among Canadians aged 18 to 34, approximately 41 per cent said they had skipped meals or reduced their food consumption because of rising grocery costs.
This figure is 10 percentage points higher than the national average, demonstrating that younger people are experiencing disproportionately high levels of food insecurity.
Additionally, 23 per cent of respondents in this age group reported seeking assistance from food banks and other community support services to obtain food.
According to the report, these challenges reflect broader economic pressures facing younger Canadians, including rising housing costs, inflation, and increasing prices for everyday necessities.
US Tariffs Raising Concerns About Further Inflation
The survey also highlighted growing concerns among Canadians about US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs and their potential impact on Canada’s economy.
Nearly 90 per cent of respondents expressed concern that the ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States could lead to further increases in the prices of everyday goods.
Three out of five respondents said they were already feeling the effects of US tariffs on their household budgets, making it increasingly difficult to afford essential purchases and cover other living expenses.
Housing Costs Adding to Financial Pressure
The Salvation Army report also highlighted the seriousness of Canada’s housing affordability crisis.
Half of the respondents said they were not confident they could find alternative accommodation in their current communities that would be both affordable and suitable for their families’ needs.
Furthermore, 24 per cent reported spending at least half of their after-tax income on housing costs.
The financial pressure is forcing many Canadians to exhaust their savings and rely on borrowing to meet basic needs.
According to the survey:
- 50 per cent of respondents had to use their savings to cover essential expenses.
- 40 per cent reported borrowing money or relying on credit cards and other credit facilities to manage their financial obligations.
These figures illustrate how rising living costs are leaving many households increasingly vulnerable to financial instability.
Salvation Army Describes Findings as Deeply Concerning
Glenn van Gulik, the Salvation Army’s Director of Strategic Engagement, described the survey findings as deeply concerning.
He said that for many families, managing rising expenses is no longer simply a matter of cutting back on non-essential purchases. Instead, households are increasingly being forced to make difficult decisions about which basic necessities they can afford, including food and housing.
According to van Gulik, families are taking financial measures beyond their means just to cover essential expenses, reflecting the growing seriousness of poverty and economic hardship across Canada.
Survey Highlights Growing Economic Challenges Across Canada
The survey was conducted over several days in September and included participants from different regions of Canada. It also included current and former users of Salvation Army services.
However, Canada’s northern territories were excluded from the research.
The report also noted that the survey used a non-probability sampling method, meaning a traditional margin of error could not be calculated.
Despite these methodological limitations, the findings highlight the growing financial difficulties facing Canadian households, particularly younger residents and low-income families struggling to afford food, housing, and other essential necessities.
