By Tricia Sexton-Earl
Food insecurity has become a severe crisis in the Greater Victoria area, driven largely by the high costs of living, especially housing and food. Based on projections for 2025, the average monthly cost to feed a family of four in Canada, including British Columbia, is expected to rise to approximately $1,400, an increase of more than 27.5% since 2020.
The latest statistics on food insecurity are alarming. From 2020 to 2025, food bank visits have increased by a staggering 99%, reflecting the spiraling demand for charitable services in Greater Victoria. Today, nearly one in five households in the Capital Regional District struggle with food insecurity, and reports indicate that demand for food banks grew by more than 25% in 2023 alone.
Hunger undermines a child’s ability to learn, leading to exhaustion, difficulty focusing, and emotional distress. These challenges are not limited to children, and anyone facing hunger can experience them. That’s why food security is at the heart of Beacon’s programming. This risk is especially prevalent within single-parent families; across B.C., these families face one of the highest rates of food insecurity, often reported around 22.5% or higher. In Greater Victoria, single-parent families are four times more likely to be living in poverty than two-adult families with children. By ensuring our daycares provide consistent food, to every enrolled child, Beacon directly addresses this vulnerability, giving children the stable nutrition they need to focus, learn, and thrive.
In our Mirrors on Meares supportive housing, the 48 youth who were experiencing homelessness before moving in now receive at least two nutritious meals per day. This support is critical because food insecurity has severely affected their physical and mental health, as well as their ability to engage with education and employment. Lack of nutritious food has led to poor dietary quality, nutrient deficiencies (like iron, B-vitamins, and calcium), and an increased risk of malnutrition and dehydration. This can exacerbate existing health conditions and increase the risk of infections. Chronic hunger and the stress of constantly seeking food are strongly linked to poor mental health outcomes, including increased susceptibility to stress, anxiety, and depression. A lack of a healthy diet and consistent food intake negatively impacts energy levels and concentration, creating significant barriers to engaging in education and finding stable employment – which are key to exiting homelessness. Ensuring consistent access to nutritious food is contributing to successful outcomes for many youth living there.
Our seniors’ programs reveal some alarming statistics. According to Vital Signs 2025, 27% of seniors in Greater Victoria report feeling isolated, and many face the impossible choice between paying rent, buying groceries, or affording medication. Through Beacon’s Mobile Meals program, volunteers deliver more than food: they deliver care and essential connection. Our visitors and drivers ensure people stay connected to their community, and our social programs bring laughter and friendship back into people’s lives. Thanks to donations and volunteers, Beacon delivers three meals weekly to low-income seniors on the Peninsula.
One of our senior meal recipients recently said, “It’s just the most wonderful program. Being immunosuppressed, handicapped with my hands, and lacking mobility, it gives me three well-balanced, nutritious meals. I can’t think of anything more wonderful.”
Beacon will serve more than 17,000 meals this year, and yet, this is only scratching the surface of the food security problem. We currently have a long wait list in our Beacon Mobile Meals programs, as well as in other programs that serve food across the organization. Our goal is to ensure all vulnerable seniors across the CRD have access to at least one nutritious meal per day. A unified, coordinated effort with partners and other charities is not just beneficial, it is critical. We are actively working to build this unified approach.
We can’t solve every problem, but we can continue to make a lasting impact. My invitation to you is simple: join us. You can volunteer, partner with us, share our story, or choose to make a monetary donation. Because when we work together, when we shine our light collectively, we create a community where everyone belongs.