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Recent findings underscore significant inequities, highlighting that international and refugee students confront greater levels of food insecurity compared to their Canadian counterparts.
Published Nov 12, 2024 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 4 minute read
In a stark revelation, food banks across Toronto reported an unprecedented 3.48 million visits from individuals seeking assistance between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024. Photo by Jack Boland /Toronto Sun
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The surge in first-time visitors to Toronto’s food banks continues, marking yet another annual increase attributed to the sustained impact of the pandemic. Notably, newcomers to Canada represent a significant proportion of this growing demographic seeking food assistance.
According to the findings from the Daily Bread and North York Harvest food banks, as detailed in the Who’s Hungry Report 2024, which aggregates data from nearly 1,400 users across 67 community sites, an alarming 154,700 new clients accessed their services during the specified time frame.
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“This reflects a staggering 222% increase in new food bank clients compared to two years ago,” states the report. It is essential to note that these numbers likely underestimate the true volume of need, as they exclude visits kept anonymous.
The report emphasizes a troubling trend: it took 38 years for the food bank visit tally to exceed one million, just two years to double that figure to two million, and merely a year to reach an astounding three million visits.
“Based on current projections, coupled with the escalating levels of poverty impacting our communities, we anticipate surpassing four million visits by this time next year,” the report predicts.
Toronto food bank usage rises sharply, notably among newcomers: report
Recent statistics from Food Banks Canada’s latest Hunger Count highlighted that 32% of food bank clients across the nation are individuals who have been in Canada for less than ten years.
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The authors of the Toronto report maintain that Canada’s aging population increasingly depends on international migration to sustain its economy, workforce, and population growth. They argue that a “rights-based approach” is crucial to assist newcomers in navigating the challenges of living in Canada, particularly the financial pressures exacerbated by rising living costs.
“Years of neglect in funding public services, infrastructure, and social housing have given rise to the current cost-of-living crises that disproportionately burden newcomers and other vulnerable demographics, resulting in heightened rates of poverty and food insecurity. Ironically, these same newcomers are frequently scapegoated for the very economic challenges they face,” they elaborated.
Food bank report reveals that 42% of new clients are students
For the first time this year, food banks inquired about the student status of their clients. The findings revealed that a striking 42% of new clients are students, with over half (56%) identified as new international students, and a staggering 93% of them being first-time users of food banks.
The data also uncovers stark disparities; international students and refugees suffer significantly greater food insecurity than their Canadian peers. For example, surveys showed that a concerning 83% of international students and 85% of students with refugee status reported not having enough food, compared to 71% of their Canadian counterparts.
Moreover, 33% of Canadian-born students reported having missed meals to economize, in contrast to 55% of international students and 40% of refugee students indicating they had to skip meals for financial reasons. This indicates that those with precarious immigration status face heightened barriers in fulfilling their basic nutritional needs compared to those holding citizenship or permanent residency.
Conversely, a notable policy change from the Greater Vancouver Food Bank came to light recently, which will exclude first-year international students from accessing their services, a move that has stirred debate across the community. The GVFB justified this decision following the federal government’s sharp increase in the financial requirement for international study permits from $10,000 to a staggering $20,635.
“After a year, these savings will likely have been depleted, making food insecurity a genuine threat,” a GVFB spokesperson articulated.
Report underscores the ‘missing pieces’
A significant obstacle for many newcomers visiting food banks can be attributed to challenges in securing stable employment, particularly for international students. One respondent cited, “When we go to agencies to look for jobs, they say they want full-time, they don’t want students.”
Although Ottawa has revised immigration caps and policies governing international students, previous years have seen remarkable growth in this demographic. According to the ICEF, a prominent international education sector marketing and networking firm, Canada granted over a million active study permits in 2023—a 29% jump from the previous year and a staggering 63% increase since 2020.
Among international students who faced employment barriers, 69% resorted to temporary or casual positions, which ultimately left them earning below the daily median income after rent and utilities were deducted. The authors of the report propose that “what is missing is a cohesive intergovernmental strategy to adequately fund postsecondary institutions while ensuring that international students are matched with suitable programs, job opportunities, housing options, and the social support necessary for them to fully contribute to Canada’s economy and workforce.”
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**Interview with Dr. Emily Chen, Policy Analyst at Food Justice Canada**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Chen. The recent findings from Toronto’s food banks paint a stark picture of food insecurity, particularly among international and refugee students. What do you believe are the main contributing factors to this trend?
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me. The data highlights several interconnected issues. Firstly, many international and refugee students face high tuition costs and living expenses in Canada. Often, they arrive without a robust support network and may not have access to the same financial aid resources as their Canadian peers. This financial instability directly influences their ability to secure adequate nutrition.
**Editor:** It’s alarming to see that 42% of new food bank clients are students, with a significant portion being first-time users. What implications does this have for our education system and policies around student support?
**Dr. Chen:** These statistics should serve as a wake-up call. The rise in food bank usage among students indicates that our current support systems are not meeting the needs of many. Universities and policymakers must recognize the challenges that both international and domestic students face in affording basic necessities. This might mean enhancing financial aid packages, providing subsidized housing, or increasing access to affordable food options on campus.
**Editor:** The report also mentions that international students and refugees experience significantly higher food insecurity rates compared to their Canadian counterparts. What do you believe can be done to address these disparities?
**Dr. Chen:** Addressing these disparities demands a multi-faceted approach. Schools should adopt a rights-based framework to ensure that all students have access to adequate resources. This can include targeted food programs and mental health support. More broadly, we need systemic changes—such as better integration strategies for newcomers into Canadian society and a comprehensive review of how living expenses are managed during their studies.
**Editor:** A noteworthy discussion point from the report is the policy change by the Greater Vancouver Food Bank to exclude first-year international students. What are your thoughts on this decision, and how might it affect the community?
**Dr. Chen:** This policy change raises significant concerns, especially since it disproportionately impacts those who are already vulnerable. First-year international students are likely to face additional challenges adjusting to a new country and culture. By excluding them from food bank services, we risk exacerbating their struggles. Community organizations should instead focus on inclusion and support for all students, regardless of their status, to foster a more equitable environment.
**Editor:** Lastly, Dr. Chen, what can community members do to help alleviate the issue of food insecurity for international and refugee students in Toronto?
**Dr. Chen:** Community engagement is crucial. Local residents can support food banks and initiatives aimed at helping newcomers. Volunteer work, donations, and advocacy for better policies can all contribute to a more supportive environment. Additionally, fostering partnerships between educational institutions and community organizations can create programs that directly assist those in need, ensuring that food security becomes a priority for all students.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Chen, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. It’s clear that a collaborative effort is needed to support these vulnerable populations in our community.
