Food insecurity in York Region impacted growing numbers of households, as is occurring Ontario-wide. According to the most recent Canadian Income Survey, 19.4% of households in York Region experienced food insecurity.
76% of residents surveyed for a 2025 Community Opinion Survey reported having to make financial “sacrifices” due to housing costs, with 41% reducing their grocery budget. Effective public policy at all levels of government is urgently needed to address the root causes of poverty and the drivers of food insecurity.
57%: The increase in number of people accessing food banks in York Region since 2021.
113%: Increase since 2021 in food bank visitors In York Region who have employment.
10.5%: Seniors accessing food banks increased from 7.7% in 2021.
37 - 48%: Average increase in York Region rents from 2019 - 2024.
73%: The number of food bank visitors who live in private rentals.
100+%: Homelessness more than doubled in York Region between 2021 to 2024
The Food Bank of York Region’s founder and CEO Alex Bilotta stated: “More and more people are looking to food banks to help them make ends meet,” he said.
“We’re not the solution to food insecurity, we’re like a Band-Aid. The problem is that people don’t have enough money to buy their own food.”— York Region Food Banks Strained by Soaring Food Insecurity
York Region’s 2025 Food Insecurity in York Region Report reveals that access to a healthy diet is becoming increasingly unaffordable for low-income households in York Region.
Food insecurity has become an increasingly entrenched crisis in Ontario—including York Region. Food banks alone cannot address the food gap too many households are facing. Following are recommendations for addressing this crisis, which align with Feed Ontario’s recommendations:
Food banks play a vital role in providing immediate food assistance to people experiencing food insecurity and hunger. Food banks are working tirelessly to meet the need, but they cannot do it on their own.
Support for The Food Bank of York Region is critical for equipping the local food assistance sector to respond to the surge in demand and to ensure that everyone has access to the daily food they need to thrive.
Together we can make a difference in the lives of those in need today
