Recently, we reviewed a report compiled by Statistics Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and Food Banks Canada, which sheds light on the ongoing challenges of food insecurity and the progress in agricultural sustainability across the nation. The report, drawing on data from 2019 and 2020, paints a vivid picture of the disparities in food security across Canada and highlights the environmental strides being made in the agriculture sector.
The report reveals that food insecurity remains a significant issue, particularly in the northern territories and certain provinces. In 2019, Nunavut reported the highest rate of food insecurity in the country, with an alarming 46.1% of its population experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity. This means nearly half of Nunavut’s residents struggle to access the food they need. The Northwest Territories and Yukon also face high levels of food insecurity, highlighting the unique challenges faced by communities in Canada’s northern regions.
While these territories are particularly vulnerable, the problem extends across the country. In 2020, Alberta had the highest food insecurity rate among the provinces, while Quebec reported the lowest. Nationally, one in ten people living in families reported being unable to afford the food they needed, reflecting the widespread nature of this issue.
Beyond the immediate need for food, food insecurity has deep social implications. It disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children, single-parent families, and the elderly. For example, in 2021, Food Banks Canada reported that 33% of food bank clients were children, and nearly half of the households served were single adults. The need for food banks has grown, with over 1.3 million visits in March 2021 alone, providing more than 3.2 million meals and snacks to those in need.
Amidst these challenges, there are positive strides being made in the area of agricultural sustainability. The Index of Agri-Environmental Sustainability, developed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, tracks the environmental performance of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector. The index shows improvements in key areas such as air quality (14.5%), soil quality (4.1%), water quality (2.7%), and biodiversity (5.9%) between 2001 and 2016. These gains are critical as the agriculture sector seeks to balance production with environmental stewardship.
However, as the climate crisis intensifies and global conflicts continue, the pressures on Canada’s food systems are likely to grow. The demand for local, sustainable food is rising, but questions remain about whether the necessary infrastructure, labor, and capacity will be in place to meet this demand.
Addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable agriculture requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves not only supporting those in immediate need through initiatives like Food Banks Canada but also investing in long-term solutions that build resilience in our food systems. This includes supporting small and medium-sized food enterprises, advancing agricultural sustainability, and strengthening community-driven efforts to enhance food security.
Canada’s food security challenges are significant, but so too are the opportunities to create a more just, sustainable, and resilient food system. As the nation works to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture, every step forward brings us closer to ensuring that all Canadians have access to the food they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Sources: Statistics Canada, Canadian Income Survey, 2019/2020; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Index of Agri-Environmental Sustainability; Food Banks Canada. ISBN: 978-0-660-42395-1 © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Industry, 2022.
