Quebec faces alarming food insecurity, young adults hit hardest

Quebec is experiencing one of the worst food crises in recent history.

A new survey by Omniweb Léger in partnership with La Guignolée des médias shows that 36 per cent of Quebecers now face some form of food insecurity, up sharply from 22 per cent in 2020.

Severe food insecurity has also doubled over five years, rising from eight to 17 per cent.

Young adults most affected

The survey found that young adults aged 18 to 34 are the hardest hit.

Nearly one in two (49 per cent) experience food insecurity at least occasionally, either because they lack enough food or cannot afford balanced meals. Among them, 27 per cent face severe food insecurity.

The problem is growing among adults aged 35 to 54 as well, with 45 per cent living with some level of food insecurity.

“Such results are dangerously close to the levels observed among the youngest, which means that the phenomenon is broadening,” said Éric Chalifoux, a senior consulting director at Léger.

Key numbers:

• Quebecers living with food insecurity: 36% (2025) vs. 22% (2020)
• Severe insecurity: 17% (2025) vs. 8% (2020)
• Moderate insecurity: 10% (2025) vs. 8% (2020)
• Marginal insecurity: 8% (2025) vs. 6% (2020)
• Young adults (18–34) affected: 49%
• Adults 35–54 affected: 45%
• Employed people affected: 41%

Having a job doesn’t guarantee food security

The survey also revealed that 41 per cent of Quebecers experiencing food insecurity are employed.

Among households earning less than $40,000 a year, two-thirds (66 per cent) face food insecurity, up from 52 per cent in 2023.

Severe insecurity affects 38 per cent of these households, an increase of 14 percentage points over two years.

“Work is therefore no longer a sufficient bulwark against food insecurity,” said Chalifoux.

Call for generosity ahead of the holidays

The findings come just before the 25th annual street collection by La Guignolée des médias, which calls for urgent and widespread support across Quebec.

Since 2001, the initiative has brought together media outlets to help ensure everyone can celebrate the holiday season with dignity. To date, it has raised $67.6 million and countless food items, which are distributed to more than 100 organizations.