FOOD INSECURITY
Even before COVID-19, food insecurity— defined as inadequate or insecure access to food due to financial constraints—affected nearly 4.5 million Canadians, many of them among the most vulnerable people in our society. In the first 2 months of the pandemic, that number grew by 39%, affecting 1 in 7 people.

Children, Indigenous people, racialized people, single parents, newcomers and people in Northern communities all disproportionately experience food insecurity. This takes a toll on physical and mental health, and can lead to numerous other problems, such as social isolation.

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THE IMPACT
Survey participants described an impact that goes far beyond what we traditionally think of as hunger and permeates all aspects of their lives. For example:

• 81% said food insecurity had a negative impact on their physical health
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  79% said it had a negative impact on their mental health
  
  64% said it affected their relationships with loved ones
  
  59% said it had a negative impact on their children
  
  58% said it isolated them socially
  
  57% said it was a barrier to finding and maintaining employment
  
  53% said it impeded their ability to find meaning and purpose in life
  
  46% said it impeded their ability to express and share their culture
  

POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS:​
This report lays out policy recommendations that can reduce poverty and food insecurity, grouped under four main themes:​

Food Insecurity Targets & Reporting

Setting targets to reduce food insecurity will ensure it’s a higher priority. Reporting annually on progress and ensuring we have adequate race-based data can keep the government accountable and help them design effective policies.

Income Solutions

Millions of Canadians are living below the poverty line. The federal government can boost income supports to ensure that all food-insecure people can afford to put good food on their table.

Social Programs

The cost of living is increasing, and too many Canadians are struggling to cover their basic needs. Social programs, such as child care, affordable housing and pharmacare, can help people make ends meet.

Equitable Progress

Racialized and Indigenous Canadians experience food insecurity at a much higher rate. Policies and programs must ensure progress on food insecurity is achieved equitably.

About Community Food Centres Canada:
CFCC builds dynamic and responsive Community Food Centres and food programs that support people to eat well, connect with their neighbours and contribute, through advocacy and mutual support, to a more just and inclusive Canada. With our partners, we work to eradicate poverty and food insecurity and to improve the health and well-being of low-income Canadians.

Report Authors:

Sasha McNicoll

Andrea Curtis

cfccanada.ca

Accessed on 13-April-2022

https://icanforkids.ca/wp-content/uploads/Beyond-Hunger.pdf