New national research reveals the growing pressure on Canada's food charities. Here in Central Alberta, the need for community support has never been more important.
For many Canadian households, putting food on the table has become an increasingly difficult balancing act.
After paying rent, utilities, transportation and other necessities, there isn't always enough left for groceries. Families are stretching their budgets further, working individuals are struggling to make ends meet, and unexpected expenses can quickly turn financial uncertainty into a crisis.
Two recent national reports paint a troubling picture of just how widespread this challenge has become.
The numbers tell a difficult story
In October, Second Harvest released The State of Food Charity in Canada, a national survey conducted by Ipsos involving 1,610 non-profit organizations.
The findings were sobering:
89% of surveyed organizations reported an increase in demand for food assistance over the previous year.
33% reported having waitlists for support.
35% reported having to turn people away because they lacked sufficient food or resources.
These findings are reinforced by Food Banks Canada's newly released HungerCount 2026, which recorded more than 2.35 million visits to Canadian food banks in a single month — nearly 9% more than last year and 117% more than in 2019.
Here in Alberta, the situation is particularly concerning. Food bank visits have increased by more than 156% since 2019, with 230,196 visits recorded across the province in March 2026 alone.
Behind every statistic is a person, a household and a story that deserves to be heard.
Hunger doesn't always look the way we expect
Food insecurity isn't limited to people without employment or housing.
According to HungerCount 2026, nearly 18% of food bank clients report employment income as their primary source of income. Families with children, seniors, people living with disabilities and individuals navigating unexpected financial challenges are among those turning to community food programs for support.
The reality is that having a job doesn't always mean having enough money to meet life's basic needs.
And when household budgets are stretched to their limits, food is often one of the few expenses people can reduce.
Bringing the response home to Red Deer
At the Red Deer Food Bank, we believe access to nutritious food is fundamental to a healthy, thriving community.
Our work begins with providing food assistance to people experiencing difficult circumstances, but it doesn't end there.
Through The Food Hub, we help individuals and families access the groceries they need. Our Community Pantry offers an additional way for community members to access available surplus food.
Through Garden 49, we're growing fresh food locally and exploring ways to strengthen our community's food supply. And through Kitchen 49, we're helping people develop practical food skills while finding ways to make good use of the food available to us.
Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to a community where food is valued, resources are used thoughtfully and people are treated with dignity.
Food banks alone cannot solve the underlying causes of poverty and food insecurity. Affordable housing, adequate incomes and broader systemic solutions are essential.
But while those long-term solutions are pursued, people still need to eat today.
And that's where our community makes an extraordinary difference.
This Giving Season, there's room for everyone at our table
As we approach the holidays, many of us look forward to gathering around the table with family and friends, sharing good food and celebrating the season.
For neighbours experiencing food insecurity, that same table can represent something far less certain.
Every food donation, financial contribution, volunteer hour and community partnership helps us continue providing food assistance and building a stronger local food system.
You don't need to make a large contribution to make a meaningful difference. When a community comes together, even small acts of generosity can have a powerful collective impact.
The national statistics may be alarming, but they also remind us why local action matters.
The need is growing. Our commitment remains. And everyone has a place at the table.
This Giving Season, we invite you to Come to the Table.
Support the Red Deer Food Bank through a financial donation, a contribution of food or the gift of your time.
Together, we can help ensure that more of our neighbours have access to the food they need — this holiday season and throughout the year.
Research sources: Second Harvest, The State of Food Charity in Canada (October 2026), conducted by Ipsos; and Food Banks Canada, HungerCount 2026.