The Canada Child Benefit as a

In 2019, the highest decile of families with children had an average income of $231,000 while the bottom decile had an average income of $14,000.[1] Household food insecurity, as this problem is measured and monitored in Canada, refers to inadequate or insecure access to food due to financial constraints.[2] It tells us about households’ lived experiences and whether they can afford food at the en. [...] By the time a household appears in these statistics, it is also likely compromising spending on other necessities, including housing[3] and prescription medications.[4] In Canada, the mere presence of children in a household increases the probability of food insecurity. [...] Recent decisions around the CCB stand in stark contrast to the clear need to prioritize support for the lowest-income families and the reality of high rates of household food insecurity among children over 6 years of age (Figure 2). [...] The 2020 one-time $300 benefit that went to families with net family income up to $307,960 (a cut-off far greater than the $195,460 before the amendment to the Income Tax Act) could have been more effectively targeted to low-income families.[25] The 2021 CCB young child supplement (CCBYCS) and larger base benefit for families with children under 6 ignore the needs of those with older children.[26]. [...] However, the large geographic differences in the costs of living, the depth of poverty and systemic barriers to access need to be recognized to optimize the effectiveness of the CCB.