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Mobilize for Systemic Change

 

We develop policy solutions, build capacity for advocacy at the community level, and mobilize for federal income and social policy changes to address food insecurity.

Here’s how we take action

We work with over 350 partners through six regional networks across the country. Together, we call for a Canada that delivers on the right to good food for all.

Our aim is to increase people’s incomes, leveraging local relationships to drive federal action that will have lasting, positive impact on communities.

 

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    Build capacity

    Our partners work in hundreds of neighbourhoods across Canada and see the negative impacts of poverty and food insecurity firsthand. We develop and share advocacy tools and training so partners can drive lasting change for people in their communities.

     

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    Develop policy solutions

    In Canada, food insecurity is growing because people cannot afford to eat. This crisis requires a multi-faceted response. That’s why we work with community food organizations, research and sector partners to advance progressive income and social policies that establish a minimum income floor that no one can fall below.
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    Mobilize for change

    With local engagement and participation in national campaigns, we raise awareness of food insecurity across the country. We take action together to convince politicians to implement vital income and social policies to address this urgent issue.

The solutions

Canada’s food insecurity crisis continues to escalate. In 2023, the number of people experiencing food insecurity grew by almost 1.8 million. Food insecurity now affects nearly 1 in 4 Canadians. That’s  8.7 million people who can’t regularly afford to put food on the table. 
 

 

What does food insecurity look like where you live?  

Find out at: foodsecuritynow.ca
 

 

A national crisis requires national solutions. We're calling on the federal government to implement the changes below.

 

  • Establish a Target for Reducing Food Insecurity
    The Canadian government monitors food insecurity as part of its Poverty Reduction Strategy but that has done little to address the problem. Food insecurity continues to rise at an alarming rate.

    That’s why we are calling on the federal government to commit to a target of reducing food insecurity by 50% and eradicating severe food insecurity by 2030. A target would create urgency and accountability around this pressing issue.
  • Canada Disability Benefit
    Living with a disability shouldn’t mean living with food insecurity. But in Canada, 30 percent of households where the main income earner has a disability have difficulty putting food on the table.

    People with disabilities are much more likely to live in poverty than people without disabilities. In Canada, over 1.1 million people with a disability live below the poverty line. And because disabilities create additional costs, like medication and personal care, it’s even harder for people with disabilities to afford food.

    That’s why we are calling on the federal government to adequately fund the new Canada Disability Benefit (CDB).
  • Groceries & Essentials Benefit
    In 2023, as inflation continued to rise, the federal government used the GST/HST credit to provide a one-time Grocery Rebate.

    The rebate provided much-needed relief quickly and directly—but temporarily.

    We are joining a growing coalition of food security and anti-poverty organizations in calling for a Groceries & Essentials Benefit that would be permanent.
  • Canada Working-Age Supplement
    Having a job is no longer enough for many people in Canada to meet their basic needs. Countrywide, close to 60% of families whose income is primarily from employment experience food insecurity.

    That’s why we have partnered with Maytree to call for a Canada Working-Age Supplement that would replace the Canada Workers Benefit. This improved benefit would go to people between the ages of 18 to  64, whether they’re working or not.
  • Employment Insurance Reform
    Canada’s Employment Insurance (EI) program is meant to help people cover their basic costs when they are laid off and looking for work.

    Over the years, it has become increasingly clear there are problems with EI. Many low-wage workers don't qualify and others receive very little support. In 2021, 71% of families in which the main breadwinner was unemployed and receiving EI experienced food insecurity.

    The federal government has promised to modernize EI. We’re calling for reforms that would expand workers’ access to EI and increase the amount they receive.


Get involved with your Regional Networks

 

Do you want to tackle the root causes of food insecurity and connect with like-minded colleagues in the sector?

CFCC has partnered with 6 Community Food Organizations to establish advocacy networks across Canada.

Together, we’re advocating for increasing incomes and challenging unfair stereotypes and stigma around poverty.

Contact your Regional Coordinator today!

Poverty Action Unit: pau@cfccanada.ca

 

Key reports

 

Recent policy insight & actions

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