Canadians Spend First 39 Days of 2026 on Groceries, Reports Agriculture Federation
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) has reported that Canadians spent the first 39 days of 2026 on groceries. February 8 was designated as “Food Freedom Day,” the day when the average household had earned enough to cover its annual grocery expenses for the year.
Understanding Food Freedom Day 2026
Food Freedom Day for 2026 fell on February 8, the same date as in 2025. Keith Currie, the president of the CFA, emphasized that food affordability remains a serious issue. Despite Canada being a major food supplier globally, many Canadians struggle to afford essentials.
- Average percentage of disposable income:
- 10.8% spent on food and beverages in 2025.
- 10.7% spent in 2024.
- Income disparities:
- Households in the lowest income quintile spent 28.2% of disposable income on food.
- Households in the highest income quintile spent 5.18%.
Rising Food Prices
Despite a slight slowdown in food price inflation for some categories, prices have increased by 27% since 2020. Notably, meat prices saw the largest hikes in 2025. This increase contributes to ongoing concerns about food affordability among consumers.
Food Insecurity Statistics
- A quarter of Canadians are classified as food insecure.
- 2.2 million people utilized food banks monthly last year.
Future Risks to Food Costs
The CFA also pointed out the potential risks associated with the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (CUSMA). Most food products currently enjoy tariff exemptions under this agreement. Any changes could adversely impact food prices for Canadian consumers.
Currie stressed the importance of a unified Canadian strategy to maintain stable North American trade relations. This approach is essential, especially in light of potential tariffs that could exacerbate food affordability issues.
