Food Banks Canada Urges Canadians to Join the Call for Change

Aug 27, 2024

TORONTO- Food Banks Canada released bleak new polling data today conducted by Pollara that shows 35% of Canadians feel worse off financially than they did three months ago.

Food Banks CEO Kirstin Beardsley says the new findings coupled with recent research from Statistics Canada, underscore the urgent need for action from all levels of government including the introduction of a Groceries and Essentials Benefit to stop Canada's growing hunger crisis and make sure that every person in Canada can afford their basic needs.

"If the newest StatsCan projections come true, the food bank system will not be able to support the tidal wave of people needing support," shared Beardsley, CEO, Food Banks Canada. "The food banking network was never meant to be able to support a quarter of people in Canada. It is a frightening scenario laid out by StatsCan, for so many people struggling to make ends meet, one that needs urgent attention from governments across the country."

Newly released Food Banks Canada poll conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights confirms:

More than a third of people in Canada (35%) feel worse off financially than they did 3 months ago.
Among those who report their financial well-being has worsened over the past three months:
- Almost half of all those with incomes below $50,000 a year (47%)
- 43% or people who identify as visible minorities
- 42% of Millennials

Together with its network of 5,100 food banks and community organizations, Food Banks Canada is encouraging everyone in Canada to use their voice and get involved in the fight against hunger and poverty – as demand continues to soar at Canada's struggling food banks.

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Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.