Nearly one in three Canadians have skipped meals or reduced portion sizes because they cannot afford groceries, according to a new national report from The Salvation Army that points to worsening food insecurity, housing affordability concerns and growing financial pressures across the country.
The organization's 2026 Canadian Poverty and Socioeconomic Analysis found that 31 per cent of Canadians had skipped or reduced the size of a meal because of grocery costs, up from 27 per cent in 2025. The proportion accessing community food supports also increased, reaching 15 per cent from 11 per cent a year earlier. Both figures are the highest recorded during the study's four-year tracking period.
The findings highlight mounting affordability challenges for Canadian households, with half of respondents expressing little confidence they could find another suitable and affordable home in their community if they had to move. Nearly one in four said they were spending at least half their after-tax household income on housing.
The Salvation Army surveyed more than 1,500 Canadians to examine their experiences and attitudes toward poverty, food and housing affordability, financial security and other socioeconomic challenges. The organization said the research helps it assess changing community needs and inform its social services.
"It's deeply concerning that nearly one in three Canadians are having to skip meals or eat less because they can't afford groceries," says Glenn van Gulik, national spokesperson for The Salvation Army. "For many families, making ends meet is no longer about cutting back on extras. It's about making difficult choices between food, housing and other basic necessities. These findings reinforce why accessible, compassionate support is so important in communities across the country."
Food affordability rises among Canadians' top concerns
Food affordability has become one of Canadians' leading national concerns, increasing 11 percentage points to 37 per cent in 2026 from 26 per cent the previous year. It overtook homelessness and housing insecurity in the survey's ranking of national issues.
Younger Canadians reported particularly significant challenges. Among respondents aged 18 to 34, 41 per cent said they had skipped or reduced meals because they could not afford groceries, compared with 31 per cent nationally. Nearly one-quarter of those in the younger age group, or 23 per cent, had accessed community food supports, up from 15 per cent in 2025.
The survey also found that 76 per cent of Canadians aged 18 to 34 reported difficulties managing limited financial resources, compared with 55 per cent of those aged 55 and older.
"When people are struggling to put food on the table, the effects can reach every part of their lives," says van Gulik. "At The Salvation Army, we provide food assistance, community meals and practical support to help individuals and families through difficult times. No one should have to face food insecurity alone."
Housing affordability remains a major concern
Housing costs are another significant source of financial pressure, with half of respondents saying they were not confident they could find another home in their community that met their household's needs and remained affordable.
The report found that 24 per cent of Canadians spend at least half their after-tax household income on housing. High rents or home prices were identified by 84 per cent of respondents as a barrier to finding suitable, affordable housing, while 59 per cent said affordable rental housing was among the hardest types of accommodation to find in their community.
Van Gulik said housing insecurity also involves uncertainty about whether households can find affordable alternatives when their circumstances change.
"Housing insecurity isn't only about losing a home. It's also about the fear of having nowhere affordable to go if your circumstances change," says van Gulik. "When so much of a household's income is going toward housing, there's often very little left for food, transportation and other essentials. Through shelter services, housing-related assistance and community programs, The Salvation Army is helping people facing these challenges find support and stability."
Trade uncertainty adds to household financial pressures
The report also points to growing concern about the potential impact of U.S. tariffs and trade disputes on household finances.
Nearly nine in 10 Canadians, or 89 per cent, said they were concerned proposed U.S. tariffs would increase the cost of everyday goods. Three in five respondents, or 60 per cent, said their household had already experienced a financial impact from tariffs or trade disputes.
The proportion identifying U.S. tariffs as one of Canada's three leading concerns increased to 26 per cent from 20 per cent in 2025. Meanwhile, 58 per cent said they were concerned about their household being financially affected by tariffs, compared with 55 per cent last year.
The findings indicate that trade-related uncertainty is adding to concerns about household budgets already facing pressure from the cost of essential goods and services.
Demand for support grows as charitable participation declines
Despite the financial challenges identified in the report, respondents who had used support services generally reported positive outcomes.
More than eight in 10 support-service users, or 83 per cent, said accessing services improved their family's well-being, up from 80 per cent in 2025. Among those reporting improvements, 53 per cent cited better access to food, 37 per cent said they had an improved ability to care for their family, and 36 per cent reported improvements in their sense of dignity and hope.
However, charitable participation declined over the same period. The proportion of Canadians reporting monetary charitable donations fell to 75 per cent in 2026 from 79 per cent in 2025. Participation in three or more charitable activities also decreased, dropping to 60 per cent from 65 per cent.
"We know that support services can make a meaningful difference in people's lives," says van Gulik. "But we also recognize that many Canadians are feeling financial pressure themselves, which can make it harder to give. Every donation, every volunteer hour and every act of generosity helps us continue providing food, shelter and practical support to people who need it most."
The Salvation Army said donations and volunteer support remain important to its ability to provide food, shelter and other services to people facing financial hardship. Its programs include food banks, meal services, housing assistance, addiction rehabilitation and community-based support.