While the recent provincial election sparked numerous debates about the future of Ontario, one issue remained notably absent: the well-being of Ontario’s children.
There is growing evidence that indicates Ontario kids are not doing well. Data from the past several years reveals a concerning setback: the share of Ontario children living in low-income families has begun to increase after previous declines.
This troubling trend coincides with an affordability crisis that has dramatically increased living costs and inflated prices for essential goods, severely straining family budgets throughout the province.
A recent CCPA analysis shows that all Canadian households—except the richest 20 per cent—now spend a substantial share of their disposable income on basic needs such as housing, food, and energy. The financial squeeze is particularly troubling for lower-income families who, after spending nearly all their income on essential goods, are forced to go into debt to make ends meet.
One devastating consequence of this budget squeeze has been the alarming rise in childhood food insecurity.
Between 2018 and 2022, the percentage of Ontario children experiencing moderate food insecurity surged from 11 per cent to 16.6 per cent.
Children who are facing severe food insecurity—children who are going hungry or missing meals entirely—nearly doubled, from 3.9 per cent to 7.1 per cent.
Food insecurity is concentrated among low-income families, but it is also rising among all types of families.
The share of couples with children who are experiencing moderate or severe levels of food instability in Ontario jumped from 11.5 per cent to 19.9 per cent—an increase of over 70 per cent in just four years.
Ontario children living in lone-parent families face an even more concerning situation: 35.4 per cent of these families experienced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2022, compared to 30.1 per cent in 2018.
Ontario’s growing hunger crisis among children is alarming, but not surprising. As the affordability crisis tightens budgets, the profile of individuals facing food insecurity is evolving, with food banks now serving a broader range of groups. Children who are living in racialized and immigrant communities are even more likely to experience food insecurity—the profound consequences of systemic discrimination.
Food insecurity is now widespread in Ontario, with food bank use hitting record highs. Struggling with soaring demand and resource shortages, food banks have reduced food distribution and have cut additional support services.
The problem is too big for food banks alone to address.
The crisis has become so acute that municipalities such as Kingston have declared a state of emergency.
As the escalating North American trade war prompts mass layoffs and price hikes, the crisis affecting Ontario’s children is likely to intensify, quickly.
There is a clear role for the provincial government to play, by strengthening safety nets, improving access to social services, increasing Ontario Works benefits, and enhancing welfare protections for vulnerable families.
An entire generation of children is in need, right now.
