Newcomers to Canada Face Severe Food Insecurity, Report Shows
A staggering four out of five newcomers to Canada are relying on food banks, according to Toronto’s Who’s Hungry Report 2024, published by the Daily Bread Food Bank and North York Harvest. The report, drawing data from 1,400 users and 67 community sites, highlights that between April 2023 and March 2024, food banks in Toronto welcomed 154,700 new clients.
“This is a shocking 222% rise in new users since two years ago,” the report states, with food bank visits breaking records over the year.
Surging Demand for Food Banks Among Newcomers
The report underscores the severe food insecurity experienced by newcomers, including both international and refugee students. This demographic now represents one of the largest groups turning to food banks for support. Factors contributing to their food insecurity include limited access to employment, high living costs, and the financial burden of adjusting to a new country. Unlike Canadian students, newcomers face heightened challenges, making food assistance essential for survival.
Food bank visits have skyrocketed in Toronto, with a total of 3.48 million visits recorded over the year—a dramatic one million more than the previous year and almost four times pre-pandemic levels.
Rising Inequities in Food Security
The report reveals stark inequities within Toronto’s food-insecure populations. International and refugee students are hit particularly hard, showing higher levels of food insecurity compared to Canadian students. Experts believe the challenges are intensified for those without a support network or established social connections, leaving newcomers especially vulnerable.
Record-Breaking Demand Reflects Systemic Issues
The 3.48 million visits to Toronto food banks this year mark an alarming new high. In just one year, food banks have seen a rise of one million additional visits. According to the report, the actual numbers could be higher, as anonymous visits aren’t included.
“Food insecurity is becoming a serious issue for newcomers,” the report reads, noting that these numbers reflect an urgent need for solutions.
Calls for Immediate Action
The findings from Who’s Hungry Report 2024 indicate a crisis demanding urgent action. Advocates are calling for increased financial support for low-income newcomers, employment assistance, and programs that address these food insecurity challenges directly. Without intervention, food insecurity will likely continue to rise among newcomers struggling to build new lives in Canada.
A Critical Challenge
As food insecurity among newcomers in Toronto reaches unprecedented levels, the report calls attention to systemic challenges and the urgent need for solutions. With food banks seeing record-breaking demand, the spotlight is on policymakers to address this crisis and support newcomers as they face the hardships of adapting to life in Canada.
