Driving industry leadership to combat food insecurity

Food insecurity is on the rise across Canada, with more individuals and families facing challenges in accessing sufficient and nutritious food. This growing crisis has inspired FHCP to take bold action by launching Together with FHCP, an association-wide initiative designed to address this urgent issue. This groundbreaking program unites the collective strength of Canada’s food, health, and consumer products industry to create meaningful, sustained change. Through collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility, Together with FHCP seeks to elevate how our industry supports communities in need.

Together with FHCP encourages members to contribute regularly—whether through food, funds, time, or in-kind donations—to drive long-term impact in the fight against food insecurity. At the heart of this initiative is a strong partnership with Food Banks Canada, which leverages the resources and expertise of FHCP members to ensure vulnerable populations have reliable access to sufficient and nutritious food. By fostering a culture of caring and responsibility among our members, Together with FHCP aims to strengthen industry leadership into a powerful force for social good, starting with the critical issue of food insecurity.

Want to learn more?

For more information on how you or your organization can get involved with Together with FHCP, please contact Wendy Baker at wendy.baker@fhcp.ca.

A growing crisis

According to Food Banks Canada’s 2024 Poverty Report Cards, food insecurity now affects one in four Canadians. Almost half of Canadians report being financially worse off than last year, as the rising cost of living continues to outpace incomes. Thousands of food banks across the country are struggling to meet the needs of their communities, with visits increasing by 50% since 2021.

Record-breaking need

In March 2024, Canadian food banks saw over 2 million visits — the highest number in history. This staggering figure represents a 6% increase compared to 2023 and a 90% increase compared to 2019. Nearly 700,000 food bank users were children, making up almost one-third of total visits. Alarmingly, 18% of clients accessing food banks are employed, the highest number ever recorded and a reflection of the challenges faced by many working individuals to meet their basic needs.

Challenges amplified by economic shifts

Between 2015 and 2020, Canada achieved its most dramatic reduction in poverty on record, with rates dropping to 6.4%. However, this progress has been reversed since 2022, as rising interest rates, population growth, and skyrocketing rents have strained social services. The Poverty Report Cards cite failing grades for housing affordability, healthcare access, and government support adequacy as contributing factors to the worsening crisis.

Additionally, 47% of Canadians report difficulty navigating the tax system and are unaware of which tax benefits they are eligible for, while 25% struggle to access the social services they need. These barriers perpetuate systemic reliance on supports rather than lifting individuals and families out of poverty, creating a cycle that is increasingly difficult to break.

A call to action

Recognizing the severity of food insecurity, Mississauga, Ontario declared it an emergency in November 2024, with Kingston and Toronto following suit in January 2025. These declarations underscore the urgent need for systemic change to address food insecurity as a long-term issue rather than a temporary challenge.

Together with FHCP is committed to being part of the solution by mobilizing industry resources to make a tangible difference in Canadian communities.

Industry leadership in the fight against hunger

Just a few examples of the many ways our members are making a difference

Bayer Canada steps up to combat hunger

In November 2024, Bayer Canada donated $90,000 to Food Banks Canada's After the Bell program, providing nutritious food packs to children during summer. Employees also contributed nearly 2,000 kg of non-perishable goods and over $17,000, supporting families in Toronto, Winnipeg, and Calgary.

Learn more.

Procter & Gamble and Edgewell support menstrual equity

Through Food Banks Canada's Menstrual Equity Fund, Procter & Gamble and Edgewell Personal Care have donated millions of period products to food banks nationwide, addressing period poverty by providing essential products to those in need, ensuring equitable access and reducing stigma.

Learn more.

Italpasta's million-pound food donation

Since 2020, Italpasta has donated over 1.14 million pounds of food, including pasta, sauces, and canned tomatoes, to Daily Bread Food Bank. This partnership began by redirecting surplus bulk products during the pandemic and has evolved into an ongoing commitment to combat hunger in Toronto.

Learn more.

Free tax clinics: Money back in pockets

Through Food Banks Canada's National Tax Clinic program, supported by KPMG, free tax clinics have been offered by food banks in multiple locations. Last year, $37 million was returned to clients through the completion of over 10,000 tax returns, helping families access more resources to prevent hunger.

Learn more.

Together with FHCP

Driving industry leadership to combat food insecurity

Want to learn more?

A growing crisis

Record-breaking need

Challenges amplified by economic shifts

A call to action

Industry leadership in the fight against hunger

Just a few examples of the many ways our members are making a difference

Bayer Canada steps up to combat hunger

Procter & Gamble and Edgewell support menstrual equity

Italpasta's million-pound food donation

Free tax clinics: Money back in pockets

Stronger together: FHCP members giving back through Food Banks Canada

From large corporations to small businesses, FHCP members are giving back with food, funds, time, and in-kind donations

About FHCP

Follow Us