Food bank use in Canada hit nearly 2.2 million in March 2025, a 5% rise from 2024 and nearly double 2019 levels, sparking political debate over economic policy and food insecurity.

Food bank visits in Canada reached nearly 2.2 million in March 2025, a 5% increase from the previous year and nearly double the 2019 level, according to Food Banks Canada, which called the rise "historic and very concerning." Conservative leaders blamed Liberal fiscal policies for driving up the national deficit and living costs, calling food insecurity "the new normal." They questioned the affordability of the government's budget, while Liberal officials pointed to efforts like making the school food program permanent. NDP MP Leah Gazan urged modernizing the social safety net. A separate Toronto study found over 10% of residents now rely on food banks.