The Club des petits déjeuners released a new report on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, indicating that one in three children across Quebec are living in households affected by food insecurity. The finding highlights the scale of the problem for families trying to provide reliable nutrition for their young members.
Food insecurity, defined as limited or uncertain access to adequate food, continues to be a pervasive challenge throughout the province. The club’s data points to a persistent gap between the nutritional needs of children and the resources available to many households. While the organization focuses on delivering breakfast meals to schools, the statistic underscores that many children still go without sufficient food at home.
The report does not provide a breakdown by region or demographic group, but it reinforces concerns that have been raised by health and social services officials for years. Families facing economic hardship, rising living costs, and limited employment opportunities are among those most likely to experience the strain of feeding children consistently.
Experts note that prolonged food insecurity can affect children’s physical growth, academic performance, and overall well‑being. The Club des petits déjeuners, which operates breakfast programs in schools, aims to mitigate these effects by ensuring that at least one nutritious meal is provided each morning. However, the organization acknowledges that a single meal cannot fully resolve the broader issue of household food scarcity.
Policy makers and community groups are urged to consider the scale of the problem revealed by the one‑in‑three figure. Addressing food insecurity will likely require coordinated efforts that combine school‑based nutrition programs, social assistance, and broader economic supports to ensure that all Quebec children have reliable access to the food they need to thrive.