Food Banks Canada’s HungerCount 2022 report has been released.

The report outlines that high inflation and a broken social safety net have increased historical demand at food banks across Canada.

In March 2022, food banks saw almost 1.5 million visits, which is up 35 per cent compared to pre-pandemic visits during the same time period in 2019.

“Canada’s food banks are facing uncharted challenges as turbulent economic conditions continue to exacerbate and deepen systemic inequities, especially for employed people earning low incomes, students and seniors on fixed incomes,” reads a statement from Kristin Beardsley, CEO of Food Banks Canada.

The report is the only research study that shows the devastating impact of rapidly increasing inflation and inadequate social support on poverty, food insecurity, and hunger in the country.

The study also illustrated that food bank use rose to the highest levels in Canadian history in 2022, and food bank clients who reported employment as their main source of income increased to 14.1 per cent in 2022 vs. 12.5 per cent in 2021.

Seniors accessing food banks has also increased to 8.9 per cent vs. 6.8 per cent before the pandemic.

As well, student visits to food banks increased to 7.1 per cent in 2022 vs. 4.7 per cent in the previous year.

“Ending hunger in Canada is possible. We need to work together to make true and lasting change by pursuing a dual-focus strategy that creates a minimum income floor for our most vulnerable populations, while working to address affordable housing, EI reform, and new supports for Northern and remote parts of Canada,” added Beardsley’s statement.