Even Full-Time Workers Struggle to Afford Food in Canada: Study

Shocking Statistics on Food Insecurity Among Employed Canadians

A groundbreaking study from the University of Toronto's PROOF research program has revealed a stark reality: even households with a primary earner holding a permanent, full-time job are grappling with food insecurity at alarming rates. Published in late 2025 and highlighted in early 2026, the research analyzed data from Statistics Canada's Canadian Income Survey (CIS) for 2022, showing that 89% of food-insecure households reliant on employment incomes feature a main income earner in a permanent full-time position—defined as more than 30 hours per week.3985 This challenges long-held assumptions that steady employment alone shields families from hunger.

Household food insecurity (HFI), which ranges from worrying about running out of food to reducing meal quality, skipping meals, or going entire days without eating, affected 22.9% of households in Canada's 10 provinces in 2023, up from 16.8% in 2019. Marginal HFI rose to 6.0%, moderate to 10.9%, and severe to 6.0%.86 By 2024 estimates, this impacted 25.5% of people in provinces and 37.4% in territories, equating to about 10 million Canadians.61

Among those hit hardest are working families, where reliance on employment income no longer buffers against vulnerability. In 2023, households deriving at least 50% of income from employment or self-employment showed no significant protective effect against HFI, with probabilities converging at around 21-22% regardless of income source proportion.86

Demographics of the Working Poor Facing Hunger

The profile of affected households paints a picture of the 'working poor'—a group often invisible in discussions of poverty. Single-parent families led by women, Indigenous main earners, renters in the private market, and recipients of social assistance face elevated risks, with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of 1.65-1.87 for female lone parents, 1.53 for Indigenous earners, 1.20 for renters, and 2.09 for social assistance households in 2023.86

• Lower education levels correlate strongly: high school completers have AOR 1.49, less than high school 1.17.
• Immigrants, especially non-recent ones, show AOR 1.20.
• Unattached individuals living alone: AOR 1.13.
• Households with unemployment: AOR 1.48-1.62 across years.

Protective factors include homeownership without mortgages (AOR 0.52), seniors' pensions (AOR 0.60), and investment income (AOR 0.77). Notably, even full-time workers in low-skilled occupations, with lower hourly wages or shorter tenure, amplify risks.85 For professionals seeking stability, resources like higher ed jobs offer pathways to better compensation.

Regional Variations Across Canadian Provinces

Food insecurity isn't uniform; provincial differences highlight policy divergences. Alberta and Nova Scotia top vulnerability lists with AORs of 1.25 and 1.10 in 2023, while Quebec (AOR 0.52) and British Columbia (AOR 0.82) fare better, likely due to stronger social supports and rent controls.86 In 2023, Alberta saw 8.7% severe HFI affecting 406,000 people.

Food Banks Canada reported 2.2 million visits in March 2025 alone, with 19% of clients employed full-time, doubling since 2019.58 Urban centers like Toronto declared emergencies, with visits exceeding 4.1 million annually.78

PROOF Research Portal provides province-specific insights.

Root Causes: Beyond Precarious Employment

While precarious gig work contributes, the crisis stems from structural issues. Wages stagnate amid soaring costs: food prices up 27% in five years, projected 6% rise in 2026. Housing consumes 50%+ of income for many renters, leaving scant for groceries.85

Inflation outpaces earnings, especially for low-wage sectors like retail, hospitality. PROOF co-author Tim Li notes: "This really pushes back against any narrative that this is only about precarious work... The high rate is really about wages and the social safety net."85 Systemic poverty affects 70% of social assistance households, but 62% of HFI cases are working poor.

Step-by-step escalation: 1) High fixed costs (rent, utilities) eat budget; 2) Volatile food prices spike; 3) No savings buffer emergencies; 4) Compromise nutrition, health.

Health and Social Impacts on Families and Children

HFI triggers cascading effects. Nutritionally, families cut proteins, fruits, opting for cheap carbs, leading to obesity, diabetes, anemia. Mentally, stress, anxiety, depression rise; children face developmental delays, poor school performance.

StatCan links HFI to higher healthcare costs. Food bank users tripled in some areas, including degree-holders.41 Simon Fraser's Tammara Soma warns: "We don't talk enough about job quality, income proportional to housing."

Real-Life Stories from Canada's Working Families

Meet Sarah, a Calgary full-time retail worker: "I work 40 hours, but rent and bills leave $50 weekly for food. We skip dinners." A BC food bank staffer notes clients tripled, many employed yet overwhelmed.75

In Manitoba, 45% of food bank clients rely on employment; one mother: "Two jobs, still rationing." Toronto's Daily Bread: working clients dominant amid record hunger.78

These anecdotes underscore data: full-time doesn't equate security.

Government Policies and Gaps in Response

Federal efforts like the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit ($410-$790 quarterly for 12M) enhance GST credits but fall short. EI mitigates unemployment HFI for some, yet gaps persist.85

Provincial min wage hikes help marginally; Quebec's model praised. Critics decry charity reliance: Food Banks Canada calls for income-focused policies.

StatCan HFI Report

Proposed Solutions and Expert Recommendations

PROOF advocates min wage increases, basic income guarantees, housing subsidies. Right to Food: 50% HFI reduction by 2030 via dignified income.73

• Raise federal/provincial min wages to living levels.
• Expand EI, child benefits.
• Public grocery competition (BC proposal).
• Tax reforms for low earners.
• Job quality standards.

Explore career advancement via higher ed career advice or professor salaries data for stability.

Future Outlook and Calls to Action

With 2026 forecasts grim—persistent inflation, no quick fixes—experts urge systemic reform. Track progress via rate my professor communities discussing economic pressures on educators, mirroring broader trends.

Individuals: Budget apps, community gardens. Policymakers: Accountability targets. For job seekers, higher ed jobs, university jobs, post a job offer resilient paths. Engage via comments, share insights.