Second Harvest’s latest survey shows rising food insecurity across Canada, with many community organizations facing increased demand, growing waitlists and limited resources to support families in need.
Community organizations across Canada are facing growing pressure as more people seek assistance to meet their basic food needs. New findings from Second Harvest’s The State of Food Charity in Canada survey reveal increasing demand for food assistance, leaving many organizations struggling with limited supplies and resources.
According to the survey, 89% of participating organizations reported higher demand for food over the past year. One-third (33%) said they had established waitlists for support, while 35% reported turning people away because they lacked sufficient food or resources.
Organizations with waitlists had an average of 878 people waiting for assistance. Among those that had refused support to some individuals, 41% estimated they had turned away more than 50 people, with an average of 269 people unable to receive help.
"Every week, organizations like ours are seeing more families reach out for food support, including working families who never imagined they would need help," said Vivian N. Etuka, founder and executive director of Bethel Outreach Community Services.
"When programs are full or there's a waitlist, hunger doesn't wait. It means parents going without so their children can eat, seniors struggling to stretch what little they have and families choosing between groceries and rent, utilities or other essential bills."
The research also highlights how surplus food donations can help address shortages. On average, Second Harvest supplies 36% of the food available to participating organizations.
Additionally, 91% of respondents said the organization helps them access more food, while 85% reported financial savings through its support.
“Canada has enough food to come out of this situation, but too much good food is still going to waste while organizations supporting people are struggling to keep up with demand,” said Lori Nikkel, CEO of Second Harvest.
“Connecting surplus food with communities is one practical way we can help strengthen the organizations that are already doing this essential work.”
The findings build on Second Harvest’s earlier Canada’s Invisible Food Network research, published five years ago, which examined the community organizations providing food and other assistance nationwide.
The latest survey also found that 49% of respondents do not receive food or other support through federal, provincial, or regional food bank networks. Participating organizations included shelters, food banks, faith-based groups, public institutions, and community development organizations.
Second Harvest’s Food Rescue App offers another way to redirect usable surplus food. Food businesses can list available donations, allowing local non-profit organizations to claim the food and arrange collection, helping connect excess supplies with communities that need them.
Photo Credit: second-harvest