Salvation Army survey finds 31 percent of Canadians skipping meals due to high costs

A new Salvation Army report shows nearly one in three Canadians are skipping meals or eating smaller portions because of high grocery prices. The organization's 2026 Canadian Poverty and Socioeconomic Analysis found 31 percent of respondents reported food insecurity, up from 27 percent in 2025. The figure exceeds levels recorded in the three preceding years and is driven by the rising cost of living. The survey of more than 1,500 Canadians examined financial security, food, housing and poverty.

"For many families, making ends meet is no longer about cutting back on extras," said Glenn van Gulik, national spokesperson for The Salvation Army. "It's about making difficult choices between food, housing, and other basic necessities." The report found younger adults are especially affected, with 41 percent of those aged 18 to 34 saying grocery costs forced them to skip meals or reduce portions. Overall, 76 percent of people in that age group reported difficulty getting by on their available resources.

Housing costs are compounding the financial strain. The report states that 24 percent of respondents spent at least half of their household's after-tax income on housing, leaving less money for groceries and other essentials. Half of those surveyed said they were concerned a change in circumstances would leave them unable to find a suitable, affordable home in their community. The strain is reflected in record use of community food supports, with 15 percent of respondents accessing those services in 2026, up from 11 percent the previous year. Among adults aged 18 to 34, the use of food supports reached 23 percent, a significant increase from 15 percent in 2025. The annual Food Banks Canada report put the 2026 total at a record 2.35 million monthly food bank visits, an increase of 117 percent from 2019 and 9 percent from 2025. The Salvation Army, which provides food, shelter and practical assistance, reported that 83 percent of its service users said their families were better off because of the help, compared to 80 percent in 2025.

"Every donation, every volunteer hour and every act of generosity helps us continue providing food, shelter, and practical support to people who need it most," the organization said. The survey also found that 89 percent of respondents believed proposed U.S. tariffs threatened to squeeze their budgets further, while 60 percent said tariffs had already pushed up their household costs. Among respondents aged 55 and older, 55 percent reported difficulty getting by on their available resources. Novello Desserts reported in November that food insecurity had reached a four-year high according to the Salvation Army.

With files from The Cool Down