A new report from Food Banks Canada is giving Nova Scotia failing grades in several key measures related to poverty and food insecurity.
The 2026 Poverty Report Card gave Nova Scotia a grade of D for the lived experience of poverty and an F for poverty measures, while the province’s highest mark was a C-plus for material deprivation.
The report looked at factors including housing affordability, food insecurity, access to healthcare, social assistance rates and overall poverty levels.
According to the report, Nova Scotia’s poverty rate sits at 10.9 per cent, while food insecurity affects 26.2 per cent of residents.
Feed Nova Scotia calls for action
Feed Nova Scotia says the findings reflect what many communities across the province have been experiencing for years.
Executive Director Ash Avery said affordability pressures continue to grow and poverty remains widespread.
The organization is calling on the province to increase income assistance and disability support rates, strengthen employment and training programs, continue investments in housing and school food programs, and update Nova Scotia’s poverty reduction strategy.
Feed Nova Scotia notes the province’s current poverty reduction strategy has not been updated since 2009.
The organization argues that rising housing costs, food prices and other economic pressures have dramatically changed conditions since the strategy was introduced.
Minister points to broader supports
Opportunities and Social Development Minister Susan Corkum-Greek said the report highlights real challenges facing many Nova Scotians.
“Did we need this report to tell us that too many Nova Scotians are struggling? No, we didn’t,” she said.
However, Corkum-Greek said income assistance rates alone do not capture the full range of supports available to residents.
“Many of the benefits, additional to income assistance, are stackable,” she said.
The minister pointed to investments in housing, school food programs and other affordability measures, noting that multiple provincial supports can be accessed alongside income assistance.
Corkum-Greek said the province remains focused on helping people meet their immediate needs while also working to address the root causes of poverty.
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