Understanding Food Insecurity in Canada
Food insecurity is one of the most urgent challenges facing Canadians today. It’s not just about hunger; it’s about the uncertainty of where the next meal will come from and whether that meal will be healthy enough to fuel a family. According to recent surveys, nearly 1 in 6 Canadian households struggles with food insecurity. The issue hits some groups especially hard, including single-parent families, Indigenous communities, and newcomers to Canada.
The impacts go far beyond the dinner table:
- Health: Adults living in food-insecure households are more than twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those who are food secure. They also face higher stress and mental health challenges. On average, food-insecure adults in Canada incur $400–$565 more per person each year in acute healthcare costs.
- Children’s Development: Kids in food-insecure households often face more difficulties at school, both in learning and in building social connections, which can shape their futures for years to come.
- Economic Strain: The costs of healthcare and the loss of productivity linked to food insecurity put additional pressure on Canada’s economy.
The root causes are complicated. Rising food prices, housing costs that eat up paycheques, stagnant wages, and deep systemic inequalities all play a role. Food banks and local programs are critical lifelines, but lasting solutions require bigger changes, and businesses, communities, and governments all need to work together.
Canadian Companies Tackling Food Insecurity
Despite the challenges, there’s hope. Across the country, companies are stepping up with creative ideas that not only fight food insecurity but also reduce food waste and promote sustainability. Some inspiring examples are Odd Bunch, Ten Servings, Second Harvest, and Too Good To Go.
Odd Bunch
Odd Bunch is changing the way Canadians think about produce. Every year, tons of perfectly edible fruits and vegetables are thrown away simply because they look “imperfect.” Odd Bunch rescues this produce, packs it into affordable boxes, and delivers it directly to households. Families get access to nutritious food at accessible prices, farmers find a home for their surplus crops, and less food ends up in landfills. It’s a win-win-win: for people, for farmers, and for the planet.
Second Harvest
As Canada’s largest food rescue organization, Second Harvest plays a crucial role in ensuring good food doesn’t go to waste. They collect surplus food from producers, grocery stores, and restaurants, then redistribute it to thousands of charities and community groups across the country. This means more meals for people who need them most. On top of that, by keeping food out of landfills, Second Harvest helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making their work vital for both social and environmental change.
Ten Servings
Ten Servings is proof that businesses can put purpose at the heart of what they do. Our model is simple but powerful: for every item we sell, we provide ten servings of food to people facing food insecurity. Customers aren’t only getting awesome ugly potato day merch, they’re helping another family in need at the same time. Ten Servings was created to show how small actions can add up to a big impact.
Too Good To Go
Too Good To Go is an app-based platform that rescues surplus food from restaurants, cafés, and grocery stores by offering it to customers at discounted prices in “surprise bags.” Launched in Europe, the app is now present in 17 countries across Europe and North America, including Canada. By making surplus food affordable and accessible, Too Good To Go helps reduce waste while giving more people the chance to enjoy good meals for less.
Moving Forward
Food insecurity is a big problem in Canada, but it’s one we can solve. Companies like Odd Bunch, Ten Servings, and Second Harvest are already showing us what’s possible when we think differently about food. They’re proving that “ugly” produce, surplus meals, and simple everyday choices can make a real difference. Still, lasting change takes more than a few organizations, it takes all of us.
By supporting local food programs, buying from businesses that give back, or even just talking about these issues, we can push for a fairer system. Together, we can build a Canada where no one goes to bed hungry and where everyone has access to good, healthy food.