Digital Access and Food Insecurity in Toronto - Daily Bread Food Bank
Contact Us
Contact Us
x
Daily Bread Blog

Digital Access and Food Insecurity in Toronto

July 13, 2021

When the COVID-19 crisis began in March 2020, many of us became reliant on the internet for things like school, work, food and medicine deliveries, staying connected with family and friends, and more.  

However, with mass closures of public spaces like libraries and community centres, many low-income households faced barriers in accessing the internet because they could not afford internet access or an adequate computer or device.  For some, being able to access internet meant sacrificing food. 

In our Who’s Hungry 2020 reporttwo-thirds, of food bank respondents reported skipping a meal to pay a bill or household expense. More than half skipped a meal to pay rent, while others skipped meals to pay for transportation or phone and internet bills.  

Our survey findings made it clear that the internet is essential for arranging medical appointments, conducting job searches, and searching for a new apartment, among other things and especially during a global pandemic. In fact, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunication Commission (CRTC) declared the internet a basic service. 

Despite the importance of digital access, among Toronto’s low-income population 34% of households are worried about paying their home internet bills over the next few months.  

Our income support programs, like social assistance, have never been updated to reflect the necessary costs of internet access and cell service. In fact, social assistance rates in Ontario have been frozen since 2018, leaving many unable to afford the most basic of necessities. 

Digital access is a critical piece of poverty reduction infrastructure. We need to invest in long-term solutions so that access to quality internet is possible for every household, no matter the household’s income. It is critical that all levels of government collectively work together to ensure all households have access to high-quality, affordable internet. 

To learn more, check out the following resources: 

Read Brookfield Institute’s report on Mapping Toronto’s Digital Divide and the impact on internet access during the Covid-19 global pandemic and beyond: https://brookfieldinstitute.ca/mapping-torontos-digital-divide/.

Read ACORN Canada’s report on Barriers to Digital Access: https://acorncanada.org/resource/barriers-digital-equality-canada.


Filed Under:

Past Posts

Daily Bread Workplace Culture: “It’s Like You’re Working With Family” 

Friendly. Inclusive. Supportive. Team-oriented. These are the words that come up most often if you… Read More

What is a Rights-Based Approach to Food?

Daily Bread Food Bank is a rights-based organization guided by these six commitments. Read More

Daily Bread Hosts First Televised Mayoral Debate of the Campaign

On May 15, Daily Bread Food Bank hosted the first televised debate of the Toronto… Read More

Daily Bread CEO Testifies About Federal Grocery Rebate 

On May 17, Neil Hetherington, CEO, Daily Bread Food Bank, testified to the House of… Read More
Blog Home >