Overview
The report provides an annual overview of household food insecurity in Canada, drawing on 54,000 households surveyed in the Canadian Income Survey. It documents that 15.9% of households in the ten provinces experienced some level of food insecurity in the 12 months prior to the survey, representing approximately 5.8 million people including ~1.4 million children. Food insecurity varied provincially and was highest in Alberta (20.3%) and lowest in Quebec (13.1%). The report highlights persistent high rates from 2019 to 2021.
Key findings
• 15.9% of Canadian households were food insecure in 2021.
• Severity categories range from marginal to severe, with measurable socioeconomic impacts.
• Food insecurity is strongly linked to financial constraints including employment income, social assistance dependence, and public benefits eligibility.
• Persistent high rates over multiple years highlight systemic issues.
Policy considerations
• Strengthen income supports and social safety nets.
• Prioritize policy interventions addressing root causes of food insecurity.
• Include food insecurity in poverty reduction strategies and national monitoring.
Program considerations
• Targeted income and housing support interventions.
• Regular monitoring & public reporting of food insecurity trends.
• Collaboration with community organizations for food access programs.
Target population
All Canadian households
Intended audience
Policy Makers, Researchers
Geographic focus
Canada
Evidence type
Quantitative
Source type
Research Report
Language
English
Reference
Tarasuk, V., Li, T., & Fafard St-Germain, A.-A. (2022). Household food insecurity in Canada, 2021
