A new study from Statistics Canada indicates that people with disabilities are twice as likely to live in food-insecure households as people without disabilities.
The report, released Wednesday, draws on data from the 2021 Canadian Income Survey. It found that 26.4 per cent of respondents with disabilities experienced some level of food insecurity, compared to 12.5 per cent of people without disabilities.
For Rabia Khedr, national director of the movement “Disability without poverty”, this study puts figures on a social phenomenon that she has deplored for a long time. Mme Khedr even believes that with the rising cost of living, the situation may have become even more dire in the years since this 2021 data collection.
Statistics Canada said food insecurity can range from “marginal” — fear of running out of food or limited food choices due to lack of money — to “severe” — skipping meals, reducing food intake and, in extreme cases, not eating for a day or more.
People with disabilities related to learning, memory, cognition or vision are most likely to have some level of food insecurity overall — about 36% for each type of disability. People with developmental disabilities have the highest level of (severe) food insecurity, the study found.
Although low income is already linked to household food insecurity, the study found that people with disabilities were still at higher risk even when researchers accounted for income, employment status, education and other demographic factors.
“This finding suggests that there may be other factors, independent of income, that contribute to disability influencing food insecurity,” the report says. “For example, people with disabilities often have higher health care costs, which can strain their budgets and leave insufficient funds for food expenses.”
Additionally, “mobility issues can impact their ability to access grocery stores and community resources, worsening food insecurity,” Statistics Canada notes.
Food or shoes for children
Mme Khedr, of the Disability Without Poverty movement, said she often speaks to people with disabilities who are struggling with food insecurity. “They’re making tough choices every day. You know, it’s either food or shoes for my child,” she said.
She said governments have not done enough to address the problem, noting that the proposed “Canada Disability Benefit” announced in the federal budget last April will fall far short of what is needed.
The benefit is to be budgeted at $6.1 billion over six years, with $1.4 billion allocated each year thereafter – including administrative costs. The benefit is expected to provide up to $2,400 per year – or $200 per month – to low-income people with disabilities starting in July 2025.
“The poorest people in this country who are facing the greatest food insecurity are going to benefit the least; so really, it’s not about providing the support that’s needed to the people who need it most,” Mr.me Khedr: “People with disabilities are not being helped to achieve financial security – that means paying their rent, buying food.”
A spokesperson for the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities said the federal government is “seeking the views of Canadians” on the Canada benefit and is “in discussions with all provinces and territories to ensure this support is not reduced.”
“The fact that Canadians with disabilities face greater barriers to social and economic participation is unacceptable,” said Alisson Lévesque, communications director for Minister Kamal Khera, in an email to The Canadian Press.
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