Who’s Hungry 2024 — Trapped in poverty: Unprecedented hunger in Toronto

In partnership, Daily Bread Food Bank and North York Harvest Food Bank have released Who’s Hungry 2024 — an annual profile of food insecurity and poverty in Toronto.   

The report reveals that in the past year, Toronto food banks served a record-breaking 3.49 million client visits — almost 1 million more than the year prior and a 273% increase since pre-pandemic. If usage continues at the current rate, we will see over 4 million visits by the end of 2024. These are not records we are proud to break. 

More than one in ten Torontonians now rely on food banks, a 36% increase in unique individuals compared to last year. Many of these individuals had never considered using food banks in the past. Yet even with a median increase in work hours and household income among clients, the crushing costs of housing, food, and other basic needs — paired with insufficient income supports and wages — are pushing far too many households into poverty. 

Based on nearly 1,400 food bank client surveys and 10 in-depth interviews, Who’s Hungry 2024 describes the harsh realities that are trapping hundreds of thousands of Torontonians in unprecedented hunger and poverty. The report also offers concrete recommendations for readers and each level of government to help tackle this troubling increase in food insecurity across Toronto. 

Scroll through to see some of the sobering key findings in this year’s report:

These statistics are clear signs of policy failure. Food insecurity is a public policy issue requiring systemic policy change. Here are some steps you can take today to help demand change: 

• Read the Who’s Hungry 2024 report and share it with your friends, family, and community to raise awareness about food insecurity and poverty in Toronto. You can also watch and share this video about the report’s key findings and the drivers of food insecurity across the city. 

• Share key findings on social media to educate your networks about the issues, solutions, and ways they can take action. Download our Media Kit to get started and be sure to tag Daily Bread Food Bank and use the hashtag #WhosHungry2024. 

• Most importantly, call on your Member of Parliament, Member of Provincial Parliament, and City Councillor to urgently champion the recommendations in this report. You can start by using our easy online tool to send them a letter advocating for more affordable housing, stronger income supports, and more!  

• You can also visit fundthebenefit.ca to send a letter to your Member of Parliament, calling for a fully funded and accessible Canada Disability Benefit to bring people with disabilities above the poverty line. This could significantly reduce food insecurity across Toronto. 

Your voice matters. We cannot stand by while our neighbours get trapped in cycles of hunger and poverty. Food is a fundamental human right, not a privilege — and everyone should be able to live a life of dignity, where their most basic needs are met. 

Justice can’t wait any longer. Read the report and join us in demanding action, now.