Canadians worked first 39 days of 2026 to cover grocery bill, CFA says

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture said Food Freedom Day fell on Feb. 8, meaning the average household worked 39 days into 2026 to earn enough for the year's groceries; the CFA reported that lower-income households spend a much larger share of their disposable income on food.

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture said Food Freedom Day fell on Feb. 8, 2026. That calculation means the average Canadian household had to work through the first 39 days of the year to cover the annual grocery bill. The CFA highlighted that food affordability remains uneven across income groups and that pressures on food security continue. Key facts: - The CFA reported Food Freedom Day as Feb. 8, 2026, equating to 39 days of the year to cover grocery costs. - The CFA said Canadians spent 10.8% of disposable income on food and beverages in 2025; households in the lowest income quintile spent 28.20% while those in the highest quintile spent 5.18%, citing Statistics Canada data. - The CFA noted food prices were about 27% higher than in 2020, with meat prices leading increases in 2025, and it flagged a review of the CUSMA trade agreement as a potential future risk to food prices. Summary: The CFA’s Food Freedom Day calculation underscores ongoing pressure on household budgets from higher food costs and a reported persistence of food insecurity. The organization also pointed to rising food prices since 2020 and identified the CUSMA review as a future risk to prices. Undetermined at this time.