The rising cost of living, lack of affordable housing, precarious employment, and inadequate social assistance rates are already pressing issues for many Canadians. Now, President Trump’s tariffs threaten to worsen these challenges, pushing even more people into poverty and hunger.
More than 1 in 10 Torontonians already rely on food banks to make ends meet, and despite holding jobs and having post-secondary education, many still struggle to afford basic necessities.
According to Who’s Hungry 2024, nearly half (49%) of food bank clients reported that someone in their household was employed, and almost 59% had post-secondary education—but they still can’t afford food. This reveals a harsh reality: employment and education are no longer enough to prevent food insecurity.
Rising costs, especially for food and shelter, have disproportionately affected low-income individuals, who are often the first to feel the effects of a crisis. While inflation has slowed, prices remain much higher than two years ago.
A record 3.75 million visits were made to Daily Bread member food banks in 2024—more than four and a half times pre-pandemic levels. With tariffs and an impending trade war set to push the cost of living even higher, we are on the brink of an even deeper poverty crisis.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the weaknesses in our social safety net, highlighting the urgent need for stronger protections for the most vulnerable in times of crisis. As governments respond to the challenges posed by tariffs and economic instability, it is crucial that their actions prioritize rebuilding and strengthening the social safety net, so that no one is left behind. This is a critical moment to ensure all Canadians have the support they need to meet their most basic human needs—food and shelter—and to navigate challenging economic times with dignity and security.
Daily Bread Food Bank is working closely with suppliers to secure affordable food alternatives for our clients. We are also committed to working with elected officials across all levels of government to advocate for policies that address the root causes of hunger and poverty. Affordable housing, decent work, and adequate income support are critical components of the solutions we need to build economic resilience and a future where no one goes hungry.
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