Salvation Army Survey Finds Worsening Food Affordability Crisis Across Canada
The Salvation Army's 2026 national poverty survey reveals that nearly one in three Canadians skip or reduce meals due to grocery costs, with Atlantic Canada experiencing sharper increases. Rising demand at food banks in Halifax and Dalhousie University reflects growing financial strain across diverse demographics.
The Salvation Army has released the results of its 2026 national poverty survey, revealing a worsening picture of food affordability across Canada. The findings indicate that high rent and living costs are outpacing wage growth, forcing families to make difficult choices between medicine, rent, groceries, and holiday expenses.
According to the survey, nearly one in three Canadians — 31 per cent — skip or reduce meals because they cannot afford groceries. The crisis is more acute in Atlantic Canada, where 37 per cent of residents report skipping or reducing meals due to grocery costs, representing an increase of 13 percentage points from 2025.
Financial vulnerability in Atlantic Canada extends beyond food insecurity. The survey found that 38 per cent of Atlantic Canadians would require financial assistance within the first week if displaced by an emergency, compared to 28 per cent nationally. Additionally, 54 per cent of Atlantic Canadians report taking on debt or using credit for basic needs, compared to 40 per cent nationally. Unexpected expenses can quickly turn into financial crises for many households.
Broader economic pressures are also weighing on the region. The data shows that 63 per cent of Atlantic Canadian households have felt a financial impact from U.S. tariffs or trade disputes, compared to 60 per cent nationally.
Younger Canadians are disproportionately affected. Among those aged 18 to 34, 41 per cent reported skipping meals, and 23 per cent accessed food supports in 2026.
Food banks are seeing rising demand annually across all demographics, including newcomers, long-term residents, and students. The Halifax Centre of Hope food bank currently serves between 50 and 60 families per day.
At Dalhousie University, the student union's food bank recorded significant increases in registrations over the fall term. During Wednesday community days, registrations rose from about 20 to 50, while student-specific Friday services saw numbers jump to 100.