More Canadians are skipping meals or eating smaller portions because they cannot afford groceries, according to a new national survey that also found increased reliance on food banks and other community supports.
The Salvation Army’s 2026 Poverty and Socioeconomic Analysis found that 31 per cent of more than 1,500 respondents had reduced the amount they ate or missed meals over the cost of food. That represents an increase from 27 per cent in the previous year’s survey.
Young adults report sharper pressure
The results point to a particularly difficult situation for Canadians between 18 and 34. In that age group, 41 per cent said they had skipped meals or reduced their portions because of grocery costs. The figure is 10 percentage points above the overall result.
Young respondents were also more likely to turn to outside help. Almost one-quarter, or 23 per cent, said they had used food supports, compared with 15 per cent of all respondents. Overall use of those services, including food banks, rose from 11 per cent in last year’s survey.
- 31 per cent of respondents reported reducing meals or skipping them.
- 15 per cent said they accessed community food supports.
- 41 per cent of people aged 18 to 34 reported cutting back on meals.
- 23 per cent of young adults said they used food supports.
Tariff concerns add to affordability worries
The survey also measured Canadians’ views on tariffs imposed by the United States and their effect on the economy. Nearly nine in 10 people polled said they were worried that the trade dispute would push up the price of everyday goods. Three in five said their household was already experiencing financial pressure connected to the tariffs.
The findings do not establish that tariffs caused respondents to skip meals, but they show the issue is being considered alongside existing concerns about food, housing and household budgets. The Salvation Army said the results reflected a worsening affordability picture at a time when many people are struggling to meet basic expenses.
Glenn van Gulik, a strategic engagement director with the organization, described the findings as “deeply concerning.”
“Deeply concerning.”
Housing costs compound financial stress
Food was not the only area in which respondents reported difficulty. Half said they lacked confidence that they could find another home in their community that was both affordable and suitable for their household. Nearly one-quarter, or 24 per cent, said housing consumed at least half of their after-tax income.
| Household pressure | Share of respondents |
|---|---|
| Using savings for basic needs | 50 per cent |
| Taking on debt or using credit | 40 per cent |
| Spending at least half of after-tax income on housing | 24 per cent |
To pay for necessities, half of those surveyed said they had drawn on savings, while 40 per cent reported taking on debt or relying on credit. Together with the food and housing results, those responses suggest many households are managing immediate costs by using resources that may otherwise provide financial security.
Survey scope and limitations
The research was conducted by Edelman Data and Intelligence for the Salvation Army over several days in September. It used a nationally representative group of Canadians drawn from the online Angus Reid Forum, including some people who currently use or have previously used Salvation Army services.
Residents of Canada’s territories were not included. The report also noted that a margin of error cannot be calculated because the sample was non-probability based. The findings therefore provide an account of reported experiences and concerns among those surveyed, rather than a conventional probability-based estimate for every Canadian household.
