A new study indicates that one in four Canadians is deeply concerned about earning enough income to cover their basic needs.

Data was released today as part of the annual report that examines Canadians’ attitudes and experiences with poverty and related socio-economic issues.

Among single parents, nearly half reported severe concern about meeting basic needs at 40 percent, while the figures reach 31 percent for single-person households and 31 percent for caregivers.

Research conducted by Edelman Data and Intelligence also indicates that one in five Canadians eats smaller amounts so that their children or other family members can eat, and one in five skips or reduces the size of at least one meal in the past year because they cannot afford it. These numbers jump again to nearly half for single parents.

The research was conducted from October 12 to 19 on a nationally representative sample of 1,515 Canadians, but did not include those living in Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

John Murray said the results are troubling but closely align with the Salvation Army’s internal data and the need for shelters, food banks, and churches in the communities they serve.