Nearly one in three Canadians skip meals due to food insecurity, Salvation Army reports

Analysis

Nearly one third of Canadians are skipping or reducing meals because they cannot afford groceries, according to a new national report. The Salvation Army's 2026 Canadian Poverty and Socioeconomic Analysis found 31 percent of Canadians have taken this step, up from 27 percent in 2025. The report also found 15 percent of Canadians have accessed community food supports, an increase from 11 percent last year. Both figures represent the highest levels recorded in the four years the organization has been tracking this data. "It's deeply concerning that nearly one in three Canadians are having to skip meals or eat less because they can't afford groceries," said Glenn van Gulik, national spokesperson for The Salvation Army. The organization surveyed more than 1,500 Canadians in September to understand attitudes and experiences related to poverty, affordability and financial security. Van Gulik said the findings show that for many families, making ends meet is no longer about cutting back on extras but about making difficult choices between food, housing and other basic necessities.

The data reveals that younger Canadians are facing particularly acute pressure. Among those aged 18 to 34, 41 percent reported skipping or reducing meals because of grocery costs. 23 percent of this age group accessed community food supports, a significant jump from 15 percent in 2025. More than three quarters of younger respondents reported difficulties managing limited financial resources, compared to 55 percent of Canadians aged 55 and older.

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Housing insecurity compounds financial strain

The report outlines a parallel crisis in housing that exacerbates the financial strain on households. Half of Canadians surveyed said they are not confident they could find another home in their community that is both suitable and affordable if they had to move. Nearly one in four reported spending at least half of their after-tax household income on housing. "Housing insecurity isn't only about losing a home. It's also about the fear of having nowhere affordable to go if your circumstances change," van Gulik said. He noted that when such a large portion of income goes toward housing, little is left for food, transportation and other essentials.

Food affordability has surged into the top three national concerns for Canadians, identified as a priority by 37 percent of respondents. This represents an 11 percentage point increase from 2025 and overtakes homelessness and housing insecurity in the survey's ranking. The report also highlights how international trade tensions are adding to household financial pressures. Nearly 89 percent of respondents expressed concern that U.S. tariffs would increase the cost of everyday goods, while 60 percent said their households had already felt a financial impact from tariffs or trade disputes.

Community support helps, but charitable giving declines

Despite the growing challenges, the report indicates that community support services are making a positive difference. More than eight in ten surveyed support service users, 83 percent, said accessing services improved their family's wellbeing. Among those reporting improvements, many cited better access to food, an improved ability to care for their families and a greater sense of dignity and hope. "We know that support services can make a meaningful difference in people's lives," van Gulik said.

However, charitable participation is declining at a time when demand for services is rising. The proportion of Canadians reporting monetary charitable donations fell from 79 percent in 2025 to 75 percent in 2026. Participation in three or more charitable activities also declined, from 65 percent to 60 percent. Van Gulik acknowledged that many Canadians are feeling financial pressure themselves, which can make it harder to give. He emphasized that every donation helps the organization continue providing food, shelter and practical support. The Salvation Army, which is the largest non governmental direct provider of social services in Canada, uses this annual research to better understand evolving community needs and inform the support it provides in 400 communities across the country. The 2026 study was conducted by Edelman Intelligence from September 11 to 18 among a nationally representative sample of 1,525 Canadians who are members of the online Angus Reid Forum. The sample also included 180 current and past users of Salvation Army services.

With files from Global News, PR Newswire Canada and RED FM Canada