The demand for food assistance in Quebec has hit a record high, as revealed by the latest report from Food Banks of Quebec. In 2026, over 3.27 million requests for food aid are being fulfilled each month, marking a significant increase from the previous year.
Compared to 2025, there has been a notable surge of more than 150,000 monthly requests, reflecting the growing need for support across the province. Additionally, monthly visits to various aid organizations within the network have risen to nearly one million, showing a 48% increase over the span of five years. Approximately 600,000 individuals are now benefitting from this vital support network on a monthly basis.
Of particular concern is the rising number of employed individuals turning to food banks to bridge financial gaps. The report highlights a substantial uptick in the proportion of households reliant on employment as their primary income source, jumping from 20.6% to 23.4% in just one year – the largest increase ever recorded by the organization.
Alexandre Lebel, the Executive Director of Banques alimentaires du Québec, expressed his disappointment at the persistent rise in food insecurity levels, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Despite hopes for improvement each year, the reality is stark: the need for food assistance is escalating, painting a worrying picture for many individuals and families in Quebec.
The report sheds light on the overwhelming challenges faced by food assistance organizations, as they struggle to keep up with the surging demand. Despite governmental aid and support from partners, many of these organizations are grappling with insufficient funding, limited storage capacity, and understaffing, hindering their ability to provide for those in need.
This alarming trend underscores the pressing need to address the root financial issues contributing to food insecurity throughout Quebec, placing immense strain on frontline aid providers.
