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A recent report from the Calgary Food Bank uncovers a troubling reality for seniors in the city, revealing that 64 per cent of older adults accessing the service are doing so for the first time. The study attributes this alarming trend to the escalating cost of living, meagre savings, and inadequate retirement income. Historically, seniors have faced relatively low levels of food insecurity in Canada, but the current data for the 2024-2025 fiscal year indicates that elderly residents in Calgary are now three times more likely to rely on food bank assistance compared to the general population.
Alarming Statistics on Senior Food Insecurity
The findings from the Calgary Food Bank’s latest study highlight a stark shift in the landscape of food security among older Calgarians. Approximately 5 per cent of food bank users are seniors, a demographic that had previously reported some of the lowest instances of food insecurity. The new data paints a stark contrast, showing that many seniors are increasingly unable to meet their basic needs.
Melissa From, the president and CEO of the Calgary Food Bank, expressed concern over the situation: “In a lot of cases, these are folks who, for all intents and purposes, did everything right. They worked, they paid the mortgage, they raised their kids. Nobody planned for these levels of inflation in their retirement years.” She further noted that many seniors are caught in a whirlwind of rising housing, fuel, and food costs, leaving them vulnerable.
Concerns About Housing and Utilities
The study also outlines various concerns shared by older adults regarding their financial stability. A staggering 70 per cent of those surveyed indicated that they are anxious about their ability to afford housing over the next year. Alongside this, over half of the respondents expressed worries about meeting utility and medical expenses.
The report further reveals that one in six seniors live with a health condition or disability, which significantly influences their financial circumstances. Nearly half of those who reported such challenges cited them as the primary reason for their retirement, underscoring the intersection of health and economic insecurity.
Debt and Retirement Challenges
Financial concerns are further exacerbated by debt, with 61 per cent of retirees admitting they have outstanding obligations. Alarmingly, 80 per cent of non-retired respondents stated they cannot afford to retire, and 85 per cent reported having no savings to fall back on. This financial precarity paints a bleak picture for many older adults who have spent their lives contributing to society and the economy.
The insights were gathered through a combination of 30 interviews and responses from 736 older adults, providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges facing this demographic in Calgary. The full report can be accessed on the Calgary Food Bank’s website, offering a detailed look at the findings and implications.
Why it Matters
The rising trend of food insecurity among seniors in Calgary is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by an ageing population, exacerbated by economic pressures and inadequate safety nets. As inflation continues to outpace income growth, the implications extend beyond individual hardship, signalling a potential crisis in community health and wellbeing. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from policymakers, community organisations, and the public to ensure that older adults do not fall through the cracks, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions to combat food insecurity.
