Grocery prices led nearly one in three Canadians surveyed by the Salvation Army to eat less or miss meals.
Here's what to know
The Salvation Army's "2026 Canadian Poverty and Socioeconomic Analysis" surveyed more than 1,500 Canadians about financial security, food, housing, and poverty, as Daily Hive reported.
In 2025, 27% of respondents reported skipping meals or eating smaller portions; by 2026, that figure was 31%. Food insecurity exceeded the levels recorded in all three preceding years.
Grocery costs prompted skipped meals or smaller portions for 41% of the 18-to-34-year-olds surveyed.
Difficulty getting by on available resources affected 55% of respondents ages 55 and older. Among those ages 18 to 34, the share was 76%.
"For many families, making ends meet is no longer about cutting back on extras," said Glenn van Gulik, national spokesperson for The Salvation Army, per the Daily Hive. "It's about making difficult choices between food, housing, and other basic necessities."
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More background
Less money remained for groceries and other essentials for the 24% of respondents whose housing costs consumed at least half of their household's after-tax income, according to the report.
A potential change in circumstances raised housing concerns for half of those surveyed: They feared they would be unable to find a suitable home in their community at an affordable price.
Eighty-nine percent of respondents said proposed U.S. tariffs threatened to squeeze their budgets even more, while 60% said the tariffs had already pushed up their household costs.
The annual Food Banks Canada report put the 2026 total at a record 2.35 million monthly food bank visits, up 117% from 2019 and 9% from 2025.
What's being done?
Community food supports are helping a growing number of Canadians meet their needs. Fifteen percent of respondents accessed those services in 2026, compared to 11% in 2025.
Among adults ages 18 to 34, that figure reached 23%, up from 15% in 2025.
The Salvation Army provides food, shelter, and practical assistance, with donations and volunteer time helping sustain that work.
The organization reported 83% of its service users said their families were better off because of the assistance, compared to 80% in 2025.
"Every donation, every volunteer hour and every act of generosity helps us continue providing food, shelter, and practical support to people who need it most."
Where can I learn more?
High grocery costs are leaving households in Canada and elsewhere looking for help or cutting back on food.
• Canadian parents gave adult children an average of $6,000 last year, often for groceries.
• In Manitoba, Giant Tiger's closure leaves shoppers facing 20% to 30% higher grocery bills.
• Texas families are skipping meals and taking on debt as food prices outpace income.
• In New Zealand, one in three households struggled to afford nutritious meals, most without help.
• U.S. shoppers are eating less to cope with grocery prices and making other tradeoffs.
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