Food Bank Visits Reach Record March Total of 2.36 Million

Food Banks Canada recorded 2,355,075 visits to food banks across the country in March 2026, the highest March total in its annual HungerCount series. The count was 8.7% higher than in March 2025 and 116.8% above March 2019, reflecting continued pressure on households facing the costs of food, housing and transportation. The total measures visits, not distinct people. It includes repeat visits by the same person and household members receiving food hampers. Visits involving children numbered 775,658, about one-third of the March total. Food Banks Canada’s annual research covers food banks and community organizations nationwide. Its figures are based on the organization’s HungerCount, which measures use each March and does not establish a record for every month of the year. The organization also reported that food prices had risen about 30% since 2021, housing costs 28% and transportation costs nearly 24%. The strain is also affecting the capacity of food banks to meet demand. In a survey of 284 food banks, 51 said shortages had led them to provide clients with less food than usual, while 21 reported running out before meeting demand. Local food-bank leaders described similar...