Poverty and food insecurity in Canada have risen almost 40% over the past two years. This bleak finding is one of the reasons why Food Banks Canada graded the Government of Canada’s overall poverty reduction performance with a D in our newly-released national 2025 Poverty Report Card.
Yet, the data also highlights emerging positive indicators that the federal government can focus on to build a stronger Canada where no one goes hungry. “After years of rising hardship, Canada may be turning a corner. Early signs of progress – including easing housing pressures and new social supports – offer hope,” says the report card, where the government’s recent legislative progress earned it a C.
The report card also spotlights concerning trends that underscore the complexity and pervasiveness of poverty in Canada. While each province and territory faces unique challenges, more than 25.5% of people in Canada are struggling with food insecurity – and the country is falling short when it comes to youth unemployment, housing affordability and adequately-funded social supports.
“While governments have not yet taken action to meet the scale of the crisis, newly introduced programs – including ambitious poverty-reduction strategies, affordable housing pilots and new social programs like the Canadian Dental Care Plan and the National School Food Program – are showing early promise for greater adoption and expansion,” says Food Banks Canada CEO Kirstin Beardsley.
“With proper long-term investment and modifications to improve access, these kinds of initiatives offer Canada a new and stronger future,” she continues. “Food Banks Canada’s analysis shows that with bold collective action from all governments, we can make real and lasting change. It is possible to reduce food insecurity in Canada by 50% by 2030.”
Policy Recommendations
The 2025 Poverty Report Card recommends for the federal government to prioritize practical and pivotal poverty reduction strategies that include:
- Commit to reducing food insecurity in Canada by 50% by 2030
- Enshrine automatic tax filing into law to unlock billions in unclaimed benefits for low-income Canadians
- Review and modernize supports for low-income workers (EI and other programs)
- Commit to bolstering the Canadian Disability Benefit. Review its adequacy and accessibility within 18 months with provincial and territorial partners.
Consult Food Banks Canada’s complete policy recommendations here.
