Nourishing Change: Confronting the Surge in Food Insecurity in Ottawa and across Canada

In a world where there’s enough food to feed everyone, it’s disheartening that a substantial number of people – including families with children – struggle daily to secure a basic meal. Food is not just essential for survival; it underpins every aspect of human health, supports cognitive development and academic performance in children, and fosters community and cultural connectivity. It fuels the workforce that drives our economy and sustains the social interactions that knit the fabric of our communities. Yet, despite its critical importance, recent reports from reveal a deeply concerning trend: food insecurity in Canada has reached unprecedented levels, affecting more households than ever before. As we observe World Hunger Day, it’s imperative to confront a critical and escalating crisis that affects millions both globally and within our own borders.

The Growing Crisis

A recent study by PROOF, an interdisciplinary research team investigating food insecurity in Canada, revealed alarming trends in household food insecurity over the past year (link). Their findings indicate that nearly one in four Canadians now face difficulty in securing enough food due to financial constraints. The latest data from 2023 shows that an alarming 22.9% of Canadian households are now struggling to access sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. This represents a significant increase from previous years, marking the highest level recorded since national monitoring began. Particularly distressing is the finding that children are disproportionately affected, with nearly one in four living in food-insecure environments. This trend not only impacts their immediate health and development, but also their long-term educational outcomes and future potential.

Similarly, the annual Poverty Report Card by Food Banks Canada (link) highlights that despite being one of the world’s wealthiest nations, Canada has seen a sharp rise in the number of individuals relying on food banks. This report reveals a 30% increase in first-time food bank users. Another notable aspect of the report is the shift in demographics of those relying on food banks. Traditionally viewed as a support system for the most economically vulnerable, food banks are increasingly visited by working individuals and families who find themselves unable to make ends meet due to stagnant wages and skyrocketing living costs. The report also vividly illustrates how food insecurity is becoming a mainstream issue, affecting broader sections of society and pointing to deep systemic economic and social disparities.

Local Impact

Here at home, findings similarly reveal that food insecurity in Ottawa is not just a statistic, but a daily reality for thousands. Our recent report “No More Waiting” sheds light on the local dimensions of this crisis. Last year alone, the Ottawa Mission provided over a million meals, a record high that speaks volumes about the growing demand for immediate food assistance amidst a backdrop of insufficient social support systems. The report also draws a stark portrait of how intertwined food insecurity is with housing instability.

Amidst soaring rental prices and a glaring shortage of affordable housing, an increasing number of Ottawa residents are forced to choose between paying rent and buying food. Over 10% of those accessing the Ottawa Mission’s food services in 2023 were employed, but still unable to afford basic necessities.

The personal stories and lived experiences centered in our report bluntly narrate the choices many in our community face. From single parents juggling rent and food costs, to refugees struggling without stable income, to students, to people working minimum wage jobs, and others, so many are finding themselves having to choose between paying for shelter or paying for meals. These examples are not isolated, collectively they ripple and spreads as a result of broader systemic issues that requires urgent, comprehensive and collaborative solutions.

Nourishing Change

The data is clear, and so is our mission. Food insecurity should not be a norm in our society, and it’s time for transformative changes. The need for coordinated policy approaches by all levels of government that address both housing and food security simultaneously is imperative. We need robust government interventions that prevent individuals and families from having to make impossible choices.

As World Hunger Day calls us to action, let us respond with a unified voice advocating for sustainable solutions. It’s not just about alleviating hunger today, but about securing food justice for tomorrow. We urge you to read the full “No More Waiting” report to understand the depth of need that exists in our city, and how to advocate for policies that ensure no one has to choose between basic necessities [add link here or in the title of the report].

Be it through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word – we can drive real change. Together, we can ensure food security becomes a reality for everyone in our community.

Read the full “No More Waiting” report to learn more about our fight against food insecurity and how you can be part of meaningful change.