Food Affordability Crisis in Canada: 1 in 4 Canadian Parents Cutting Back on Food to Feed Children

Ottawa: Canada is facing one of its most severe economic crises, with inflation, skyrocketing grocery bills, and housing costs leaving families across the country struggling to meet their basic needs, even food. An alarming report from the Salvation Army, a non-profit organisation, revealed that 24% of Canadian parents have been forced to reduce their food consumption in order to ensure their children have enough food to eat. This statistic has highlighted the extent of the pressure on Canadian households as they battle a complex web of financial difficulties.

The Salvation Army’s report, which was released on November 21, painted a sobering picture of the struggles many Canadians face in today's economic environment. As per the report, over 90% of those surveyed said they had reduced their grocery spending to free up funds for other financial priorities, such as rent and utility bills. In addition, many families are reportedly being forced to buy cheaper and less nutritious food amidst their battle against rising food prices.

Moreover, around 80% of respondents, during the survey, admitted to skipping meals as a way to cope with the soaring cost of living and feed their children.

Canada Faces Severe Economic Crisis

The report comes at a time when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce a break on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for some essential items to help ease the issue of affordability in Canada. This is because Canada is facing an affordability crisis leading to parents compromising on their food or essential needs to take care of their financial obligations.

This is also at a time when food banks in Canada are also facing a shortage and some of them decided to turn away international students, which might include Indians, pointing towards the fact that Canada is facing a severe economic crisis.

It is pertinent to mention that a developed country like Canada is facing all these difficulties at a time when the country is heading for the general election next year.

According to John Murray, a spokesperson for the Salvation Army, the findings of the report reflect a "deep, deep crisis" in the country. "The reality is that many Canadians continue to have trouble meeting their daily basic needs for themselves and, much more importantly, for their children and their family members," Murray stated.

The survey of families across the nation underscores how many parents are being forced to make difficult choices between food, shelter, and other essentials.

The crisis is worsened by the ongoing shortages faced by food banks across Canada, which have been stretched to their limits as demand continues to rise. Some food banks have been forced to turn away international students, adding another layer of complexity to the issue of food insecurity in the country. This has raised concerns, particularly as Canada faces its most challenging affordability crisis in decades.

Political Pressure Mounts on Trudeau

The timing of the Salvation Army’s report coincides with increased political pressure on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government to take action to address the cost-of-living crisis. Trudeau is expected to announce a temporary break on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for essential items such as clothing, nappies, and pre-made hot meals. The measure is seen as a response to growing demands for relief from rising costs, with many hoping that it will ease the burden on struggling households.

Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), has voiced his support for the measure, though he criticized it as insufficient. "It’s far from the substantial and permanent relief the NDP wants to give Canadians," Singh said. "The Liberals are letting people down with their choice to make this a short-term tax holiday, on only some items."

The NDP had previously been in an alliance with Trudeau’s Liberal Party until September 2023, and Singh has urged for more significant measures to address the affordability crisis. Despite these criticisms, Singh’s party has pledged to support the temporary GST break, which may help alleviate some immediate financial pressure on families.