Current State of Food Insecurity in Canada

Record-High Food Insecurity

Food insecurity reached an all-time high in 2023 and proceeds to increase this year by all estimates. Canadians are experiencing increased cost of living and inflation, but wages and social supports have not meet needs, so many seek food aid such as food banks. In 2023 and average of 22.9% of households in Canadian Provinces were food insecure but even higher for the Northern Territories.

Disparities in Food Insecurity

Racial and regional disparities are evident, with food insecurity rates highest among Black (40.4%) and Indigenous (36.8%) communities and provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador, which has both the highest unemployment and food insecurity rates. 

Vulnerability of Students and Inadequate Solutions:

In 2023, nearly 29% of Canadian students experience food insecurity, higher than the national average. Existing solutions like food banks and charitable donations have not resolved the ongoing issues, nor are they meant to be permanent parts of our food systems, indicating a need for policies that address the systemic barriers leading to food insecurity. Predictably, students who were not married, living independently, and without children were less food insecure therefore those are protective factors for student food security.

 

To LEARN MORE about food insecurity in Canada check out new data from Stats Canada data summarized by PROOF, April 2024 Report.

 

Many students face difficult choices between purchasing nutritious food and covering other essential expenses such as tuition, housing, or healthcare. This trade-off often results in students opting for less nutritious but more affordable food options, creating a cascade of potential health impacts (Phillips et al., 2018).

Physical Health Consequences

The physical health implications of food insecurity among students are both immediate and long-lasting. Students experiencing food insecurity often face increased risk of nutrient deficiencies, particularly in essential vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal cognitive function and physical health (Bruening et al., 2017). Iron deficiency anemia, for instance, is commonly reported among food-insecure students, leading to fatigue, decreased concentration, and weakened immune function (Nikolaus et al., 2020). Sleep quality is another critical area affected by food insecurity. Research by Payne-Sturges et al. (2018) found that students who struggle to maintain adequate nutrition often report disrupted sleep patterns, which can be attributed both to hunger and the stress of food uncertainty. This poor sleep quality creates a vicious cycle, as it can lead to decreased immune function and increased susceptibility to illness. Chronic health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension can also develop or worsen due to irregular eating patterns and reliance on low-quality, highly processed foods (Wood & Harris III, 2018). The long-term implications of these dietary patterns can extend well into adulthood and potentially result in lifelong health outcomes.

Mental Health Impacts

The mental health consequences of food insecurity among students are profound and can affect many areas of one’s life. Research conducted by Phillips et al. (2018) shows higher rates of depression and anxiety among food-insecure students, with some studies indicating up to three times higher prevalence of these conditions compared to their food-secure peers. The constant worry about where the next meal will come from creates a persistent psychological burden that can overwhelm students' mental resources. Stress levels among food-insecure students are also notably elevated, not only due to the immediate concerns about food access but also because of the shame and stigma often associated with food insecurity (Goldrick-Rab et al., 2018). Many students report feelings of embarrassment and isolation, leading them to hide their struggles from peers and faculty members.

The impact of food insecurity on cognitive function is particularly concerning in an academic context. Nikolaus et al. (2020) found that insufficient nutrition can lead to decreased concentration, impaired memory formation, and reduced problem-solving abilities – all critical components of academic success. This cognitive impact creates additional stress, perpetuating a cycle of academic challenges and mental health struggles.

Academic Impacts

Studies have consistently demonstrated that food-insecure students face substantial barriers to academic success, which also extends beyond the classroom. Payne-Sturges et al. (2018) suggest that these students are more likely to have lower grade point averages, with some studies showing a difference of up to 0.5 points on a 4.0 scale compared to their food-secure peers. Class attendance is also a challenge for food-insecure students. Wood and Harris III (2018) report that many students miss classes due to lack of energy, illness, or the need to work additional hours to afford food. This absenteeism creates a snowball effect, making it increasingly difficult to keep up with coursework and maintain academic standing. The situation is further complicated when students cannot afford required textbooks or materials, forcing them to choose between basic necessities and education resources (Phillips et al., 2018). Perhaps most concerning is the impact on student retention. Goldrick-Rab et al. (2018) found that food-insecure students are significantly more likely to reduce their course load or drop out entirely, with some studies suggesting that food insecurity increases the likelihood of dropping out by up to 43%. This pattern not only affects individual educational attainment but also has broader, life-long implications for social mobility and economic opportunity, which can in-turn perpetuate a food-insecure cycle. The academic impact of food insecurity can also manifest as reduced participation in extracurricular activities and networking opportunities, which are crucial for career development. Bruening et al. (2017) note that students struggling with food insecurity may skip professional development events, forgo unpaid internships, or miss networking opportunities that could be vital for their future careers.

If you are a USask student experiencing food insecurity, we encourage you to take a look at the following resources for local support:

• USask Food Insecurity Program
  • Conveniently and discretely apply for a temporary meal plan, which includes 3 meal swipes to use within 3 days at the Marquis Culinary Centre.

• To Good To Go 
  • Download the app to find discounted food from grocery and convenience stores in your area. (Too Good To Go is available in multiple areas across Canada)

• Saskatoon Food Bank

 

New to Canada? Get to know our produce and common foods you can find in restaurants by clicking HERE.

The Canada Food Guide is another great resource.

Canada is a leading exported to agricultural products. According to Global Yield Gap Atlas, major crops grown in Canada are; wheat canola, mustard, rye, oats, maize, soybean and pulse crops. Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are the leading producers of wheat accounting for 90% of national production. Ontario has the most poultry farms, corn and apples. British Columbia is leading producer of fruits, vegetables aquaculture, and eggs. Quebec is the largest producer of blueberries in Canada. Crops such as tomatoes and flower can be grown in green houses.

The government of Canada website describes the Canadian agriculture and food sector as “resilient and innovative”, yet food insecurity is a major issue. In 2023, the agriculture and the agri-food industry generated $150.0 billion and employed 2.3 million people. Sometimes food insecurity is not the lack of food due to lack of money to buy food but the lack of knowledge with regards to what to buy and how to make the dish for optimal health especially for students and immigrants.

For new immigrants and international students, it can be quite the challenge to settle into their new home. Among these challenges are grocery shopping. Most fruits and vegetables may not be familiar compared to what was their stable household foods back in their homeland. Not only does this make it hard to shop, but it also becomes challenging to cook or find the best way to maximize nutritional value.

According to the Food Bridge document, there are several ways to eat healthy as a newcomer and to have a better shopping experience.

• Access to free nutrition advice: Confidential free line to ask healthy eating advice. The Saskatchewan number is 1-833-966-5541. Other provinces have similar services. This service provides general nutritional advice.
• Healthy eating suggestion: The Canada food guide provides an easy-to-understand guide to help you develop a healthy eating habit and understand portion sizes better.
• Read the food labels and ingredient list: This will help you make an informed decision. Food labels contain all the mandatory information that you need to know as a consumer. Check out UnlockFood for tips on how to read Food Labels
• Shop local: There are several local cultural grocery stores to shop around Saskatoon that sell cultural food such as African and Caribbean, Asian, Eastern Europe, Filipino, Indian, Latin American, Middle east, and mixed ethnic food store. There are also multiple butchery shops that offer Halal certified meat and groceries.
• The University of Saskatchewan has food insecurity programs such as Supplemental Food Swipe as part of sustainability strategies. It is a short term and campus wide initiative to help students in need. Once application is sent in, 3 meals will be loaded to your student card and can be redeemed at Marquis Culinary Centre. Apply for the Supplemental Meal Swipe Form here.
• In addition to the above-mentioned tips/resources, and as part of the sustainability approaches, the University of Saskatchewan has Community gardens that students can take part and benefit from. A wide variety of fruits and vegetables are grown. It cost zero dollars to join, however one might need to bring some gardening tools. Apart from the fresh harvest of fruits and vegetables, the community gardens also create a sense of belonging and can be an opportunity to socialize and learn about the Canadian culture/food and vice versa. Check out more information about the Community Garden here.

 

Are you an international student or a student who has just moved out of your parents’ house for the first time? Are you struggling to figure out what to eat, what to get at the grocery store, tired of the dining hall, or all of the above? Look no further! Below are some dorm friendly recipes – including microwave only recipes, tips and tricks for grocery store shopping, and how to integrate your culture with Canadian ingredients!

Grocery Shopping Tips and Tricks

New to Canada or new to grocery shopping for yourself? Click here to check out this website by Canada’s Food Guide to make healthier choices at the grocery store! If you scroll down, there will be a “further reading” section where you can explore how to use food labels, healthy eating on a budget, and how to plan your meals!

You can also click here to check out this link that further provides shopping tips and give milk and meat alternatives that can help you pick out less expensive cuts of meat that are still good, options for those who do not eat meat, and portion sizes and how to prepare them! For the milk alternatives it provides tips and tricks on ways to save money by substituting for lower cost alternatives!

Shelf-stable dorm food

Getting these items from the grocery store won’t take up a lot of space, can be stored in a basket, and will last a long time!

• Nuts and trail mix
• Jerky
• Freeze-dried fruit
• Instant rice pouches – can be heated and eaten right out of the pouch or combined with meals
• Protein bars and granola bars
• Instant oatmeal
• Crackers
• Honey – for tea, oatmeal, or whatever else you would like to sweeten
• Canned vegetables or beans – add to any meal to make it more nutritious
• Seasoning – keep garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs (separate or find Greek seasoning or Italian seasoning that has it all) on hand, can quickly transform an easy meal!

Refrigerated dorm food

Having some refrigerated food in your mini fridge or communal fridge can go a long way!

• Bottled smoothies (eg. happy planet)
• Cheese sticks
• Dip cups (eg. hummus, guacamole, ranch)
• Yogurt
• Pre-washed veggies (eg. baby carrots, snap peas, broccoli florets)

Kitchen tools

With limited supplies typically being given in dorms, having these tools on hand can make cooking in the communal kitchen a lot easier! These items can easily be found at a dollar store and are relatively cheap for good quality!

• Microwave-safe mug, plate, and bowl
• Salt and pepper set
• Food containers
• Can opener
• Reusable or disposable utensils

Dorm friendly recipes

• Overnight oats: this recipe gives base ingredients for overnight oats and different combinations of sweeteners and fruit to make a unique batch every time!
• Fried rice
• Power salad
  • Any bagged-salad kit, with half a can drained and rinsed chickpeas or your preferred protein, any other fruit (apples, strawberries) or veggies you’ve got, a handful of nuts such as almonds or a nut mix and use the kits dressing for a quick, easy, and nutritious meal!

• Do you only have a microwave? No problem!
  • • 10-minute baked potato
    • Other microwave-friendly and easy meals
      • no-cook recipes, soups, sandwiches, and desserts!
• 38 other dorm-friendly recipes 
  • 1 pan recipes, how to jazz up instant noodles, and more!

 

 

Yield Gap

Agriculture Canada

Next Stop Canada

Food Bridge pdf

Community Garden

PROOF Food Insecurity and Policy Research. (2024, April 26). University of Toronto. New dataon household food insecurity in 2023. https://proof.utoronto.ca/2024/new-data-on-household-food-insecurity-in-2023/

Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey 2023
The University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto. (2023). Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey Report.

Statistics Canada Sharanjit Uppal. (2023, November 14). Insights on Canadian Society: Food Insecurity among Canadian Families.

 

Bruening, M., Argo, K., Payne-Sturges, D., & Laska, M. N. (2017). The struggle is real: A systematic review of food insecurity on postsecondary education campuses. Journal of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 117(11), 1767-1791.

Goldrick-Rab, S., Richardson, J., Schneider, J., Hernandez, A., & Cady, C. (2018). Still hungry and homeless in college. Wisconsin HOPE Lab.

Nikolaus, C. J., An, R., Ellison, B., & Nickols-Richardson, S. M. (2020). Food insecurity among college students in the United States: A scoping review. Advances in Nutrition, 11(2), 327-348.

Payne-Sturges, D. C., Tjaden, A., Caldeira, K. M., Vincent, K. B., & Arria, A. M. (2018). Student hunger on campus: Food insecurity among college students and implications for academic institutions. American Journal of Health Promotion, 32(2), 349-354.

Phillips, E., McDaniel, A., & Croft, A. (2018). Food insecurity and academic disruption among college students. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, 55(4), 353-372.

Wood, J. L., & Harris III, F. (2018). Experiences with "acute" food insecurity among college students. Educational Researcher, 47(2), 142-145.