PCFB in the News: Nationwide coalition urges federal leaders to address worsening food insecurity crisis
- irisbrown
- Apr 24
- 1 min read
As food insecurity reaches alarming new heights across Canada, a coalition of nearly 250 organizations is calling on federal leaders take action. In an open letter addressed to all major party leaders, the coalition urges immediate policy reform to address the worsening hunger crisis that is leaving millions of Canadians struggling to put food on the table.
City News reporter Jazan Grewal recently visited the Parkdale Community Food Bank (PCFB) to speak with our Executive Director Kitty Raman Costa about the growing need in the Toronto community.
Kitty highlighted how many of PCFB's community members spend 100% of their income on housing. In 2023, 8.7 million Canadians—roughly 1 in 4—experienced food insecurity. This marks a staggering 49% increase since 2020.
As the cost of living skyrockets, wages and social programs have failed to keep pace. Even employment is no longer a guarantee of stability. In 2023, 67% of food-insecure households relied on wages, salaries, or self-employment as their main source of income. The federal Employment Insurance program, largely unchanged for decades, has left many without adequate support.
The open letter stresses that food banks—originally designed to be emergency support—are now overwhelmed and overextended.
The coalition’s letter outlines key demands, including:
Strengthening income supports such as the Canada Child Benefit and the new Canada Disability Benefit.
Introducing a Groceries and Essentials Benefit—a reimagined GST/HST credit for immediate relief.
Collaborating with Indigenous Nations to restore food sovereignty and ensure equitable solutions.
Committing to cutting food insecurity in half by 2030.
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