When you think back to 2024, what were the most impactful food stories?
The Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University has released its Top 10 list of most impactful food stories that shaped Canada's agri-food landscape.
"The stories that define our food systems this year were more than headlines - they're a mirror reflecting our society's values, challenges, and resilience," says Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Senior Director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab. "From rising food insecurity and environmental policies to technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviours, 2024 was a year of both disruption and opportunity."
The top story for 2024 was the record number of food bank visits. It says Canada's food insecurity rate reached an unprecedented 22.9 per cent, driven by soaring prices and inflation, emphasizing the need for stronger social safety nets. Dr. Charlebois says it was not difficult to pick the number one story.
"The working poor is definitely a group that is growing in Canada," says Dr. Charlebois. "People who are working, one, two, three jobs but still don't earn enough to pay for food to feed themselves and their loved ones. So, it's certainly a big, big topic."
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