The verdict is in—Canada has chosen its leadership for the next four years. And the timing could not be more critical.
Across the country, Canadians are grappling with a cost-of-living crisis. Incomes are stagnating, housing is unaffordable, and income supports are falling short, forcing many Canadians to make difficult choices. Tariffs are adding to the financial strain with uncertainty weighing heavily on our economy.
Amid this, food banks are facing unprecedented pressure. In 2024 alone, there were over 3.75 million visits to Daily Bread member food banks—a record-breaking figure, more than 4.5 times higher than pre-pandemic numbers. Food Banks Canada reported a staggering 90 per cent jump in total visits between 2019 and 2024.
Community action: A groundswell of hope
This rising trend is deeply concerning—but it can be reversed with active community engagement and strong government leadership. Elections are an opportunity to demand change and spotlight the root causes of poverty and food insecurity.
As soon as the election was announced, our community sprang into action. Thousands of letters were sent to candidates, urging solutions to end hunger and poverty. At the Etobicoke-Lakeshore Candidates’ Debate—hosted in partnership with LAMP Community Health Centre and Second Harvest—voters engaged directly with local candidates. Elections Canada was also on hand to ensure voters had the information they needed on how, when, and where to vote.
What’s next: The real work begins
Now that the election is over, the real work begins—both for the government and for us. Daily Bread Food Bank will be working with all elected officials to build a stronger, more resilient Canada. Central to that is a robust social safety net—a source of national pride and a cornerstone of healthy, equitable communities.
A strong social safety net means:
Get involved: Be part of the solution
We are committed to driving change—but we can’t do it alone. You can help by:
Canada has the resources to ensure no one is left behind. Together, let’s make that a reality.
