Survey Finds that 10% of Canadians Concerned About Food Insecurity, with Some Going Hungry

September 13, 2024 TruthUSA

About one in 10 Canadians express concerns about affording enough food, with some even going hungry despite feeling the need, as per a survey conducted by the Privy Council Office (PCO).

The PCO enlisted market research firm Leger to survey 2,000 adults to gain insight into Canadians’ beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors regarding public health. The findings were initially reported by Blacklock’s Reporter.

8% of respondents admitted worrying about not having enough food due to financial constraints, while another 5% confessed to feeling hungry but not eating.

Analysts noted that certain demographics, such as those with lower incomes, younger adults, households with children, and individuals with disabilities, were facing increased financial strain due to rising prices.

When asked to assess their social status on a scale of 1-10, a majority identified themselves in the medium to high tiers, with 32% seeing themselves at the high end and 39% in the middle tier.

Additionally, 10% of respondents were worried about being unable to access healthy and nutritious food, 3% feared running out of food in their households, and another 3% disclosed using a food bank within the past year.

A Statistics Canada report from August revealed that 9% of those in Canada’s highest income bracket contemplated seeking help from a food bank or similar community organization, a figure that rose to 14% for the second-highest income group.

In another StatCan report released recently, 23% of respondents indicated they were likely to seek food assistance from community organizations in the next six months. This percentage was consistent with the number reported during pandemic lockdowns and layoffs two years prior.

The rising cost of living continues to be a concern for a third of Canadians, particularly young families, as per StatCan. In spring 2024, over 35% of respondents reported feeling significant financial stress daily, similar to figures from two years ago.

Chandra Philip contributed to this report.

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