The Salvation Army has released the results from this year’s national poverty survey and found its painting a worsening picture of food affordability in Canada. “New research finds that households are stretching every dollar. And, you know, an unexpected expense or an emergency can turn into a financial crisis for many. And, you know, we’re concerned about that,” says Deborah Waines-Bauer, Atlantic Canada Salvation Army’s Marketing and communications manager. “So a lot of families are forced to make impossible choices, especially this time of year. You know, do they purchase their medicine for their child or do they buy their groceries? Do they pay their rent? Or do they put Christmas on this year.” The Salvation Army’s 2026 Poverty and Socioeconomic Analysis found that nearly one in three Canadians skip or reduce meals because they can’t afford groceries. “So 37 per cent of Atlantic Canadians report skipping or reducing meals because they couldn’t afford groceries. That’s up 13 percentage points from 2025. So there’s a sharp increase across Atlantic Canada. 38 per cent of Atlantic Canadians would require financial assistance within the first week if displaced by an emergency, compared with 28 per cent nationally,” says Waines-Bauer. For the National numbers, the report found that 31 per cent skipped meals or reduced their meal sizes because they couldn’t afford groceries. The numbers for those needing support is higher in Atlantic Canada, Waines-Bauer says it’s a lot to do with affordability within this region. “Rent prices here in Halifax specifically are expensive. You know, the cost of living, housing and buying clothing, everything is just a little bit more this time this year than it was last year. So people are feeling the pinch and people’s wages aren’t keeping up,” says Waines-Bauer. At the Halifax Centre of Hope, which is the Salvation Army’s food bank, crews here see between 50 to 60 families a day. “This is a support for some people. This is a lifeline for many. It is us and other food banks, which they frequent, which are what enables them to have the food on the table and have food security in some form for their family,” says Major Terence Hail, Salvation Army Halifax Centre of Hope Executive Director. They say the demand continues to grow each year and its all demographics. “A large number of newcomers to Canada frequent our space here and a large family sometimes as well. Also those who have been a part of the fabric of the HRM for all their lives, who find themselves in a place of need in this season of their lives. So there’s a mix, and on an average day to come in, you’ll see folks come through that have, you know, moms with parents and kids or older folks and in our society,” says Hail. The report also highlights the amount of debt Canadians have taken on just for basic needs. “54 per cent of Atlantic Canadians report taking on debt or using credit for basic needs, compared to 40 percent nationally,” says Waines-Bauer. “63 per cent of Atlantic Canadians, either households, have felt a financial impact from U.S. tariffs or trade disputes, compared with 60 per cent nationally.” Waines-Bauer explains the Salvation Army is here to provide a solution to people to help take the financial pressure off. People can register online if they require the team’s help. The numbers are just as concerning for young people. The report found that 41 per cent of those aged 18 to 34 said they skipped meals and 23 per cent say they accessed food supports in 2026. These are numbers that don’t surprise the team at the Dalhousie University Food bank. “There has been an uptick in registrations just even over the fall term, I think from about 20 to about 50 during Wednesday’s, which is like our open community days everybody can come in, not just students. And also on Fridays, I think we’ve seen about a jump to 100 registrations for specifically students coming out for those,” says Anjali Seshadri, Dalhousie Student Union President. Seshadri explains that students face so many expenses, and they continue to see a rising demand for their food bank service as well. Despite it being a student food bank they open it up to the public four days a week because they know the need is great. The findings from the report aren’t surprising to the team at Salvation Army either. “With the recent trend, with the recent economy and everything going on with the U.S., it’s not surprising, but it’s concerning. And, you know, we want to help Atlantic Canadians as much as we possibly can. And so that’s why we’re here,” says Waines-Bauer. “I think one of the things that we believe in also, though, is also breaking the cycles that people find themselves in. So maybe someday we won’t need a space like this. But today we did. And so they’re important to our neighbourhood. They’re important to our communities,” says Hail. The Salvation army also welcomes donations whether its food, funds or volunteering your time. With files from The Canadian Press For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
