[Foodbank.Photo Credit to Pixabay]

On October 27, 2025, Food Banks Canada released its HungerCount 2025 report, highlighting the increasing demand for food assistance and the ongoing need to strengthen national support for food banks.

According to the HungerCount 2025 report, there were about 2.16 million food bank visits across Canada in March this year.

This number has almost doubled (99.4%) compared to 2019 and has increased by 5% from last year.

Food banks offer food to people with low income or those struggling to make ends meet. 

For example, the “After the Bell” program  distributes nutritious food packs to children during school breaks when they don’t get school meals.

In 2019 alone, more than 100,000 food packs were distributed in 10 provinces and 2 territories across Canada.

This shows that food banks are making a real difference in helping children and families  gain access to enough healthy food.

Food banks also help reduce food waste and protect the environment by redistributing food that is close to its expiration date or that stores cannot sell.

For example, Food Banks Canada operates a National Food Sharing System, partnering with major retailers like Loblaw and Walmart to collect and distribute over 13 million pounds of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable surplus food annually. 

This program not only prevents good food from going to landfills but also provides nutritious options to families in need across the country.

However, food banks continue to face significant challenges in meeting the growing demand.

The amount and quality of food provided can vary depending on location and time of year. 

For example, in the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, donations dropped after the COVID-19 pandemic due to higher food prices and supply chain problems. 

Consequently, basic foods such as cereal, pasta, and sauce became harder to obtain, and the food bank purchased food at higher market prices to maintain supply.

Another issue is the rising number of employed individuals, referred to as the working poor, who are  now relying on  food banks.

A study in Iowa  revealed that working poor people visit food banks more often than people who do not work.

Even though they have jobs, their living costs are too high, so they still struggle to buy food and must rely on non-profit organizations for  assistance.

In the future, food banks may expand their focus from providing food to addressing the underlying causes of poverty. 

Government agencies, companies, and local communities are collaborating to improve their support systems. 

The government has allocated budgets for food assistance programs, while some companies have donated surplus food to help create a more sustainable food system.

Local communities have also strengthened volunteer and donation networks. 

These  comprehensive efforts are designed to curb poverty and food insecurity, reinforcing the role of food banks as a key part of Canada’s social safety net.