Food insecurity refers to the availability of food and a person's access to that food. How does ...

Approximately 7.7% of Canadian households suffer some degree of food insecurity.

The effects of food insecurity and hunger can be very harmful to children. Without an adequate breakfast, children are not able to concentrate or pay attention to their parents, teachers or other caretakers. Impaired nutrient status can blunt children's immune responses, making them more susceptible to common childhood illnesses.

The options for families facing food insecurity include a number of charitable and privately funded programs, including some school breakfast and snack programs. Private and church-based food banks and soup kitchens can provide a narrow range of foods for a limited period of time but cannot be relied on to meet the long-term nutritional needs of children and their families.