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Executive message

Letter from Kim

Dear compassionate neigbours, 

Some days I feel pretty tired. I feel the heavy weight of the world’s many problems. A lot of people are suffering… without any real end in sight. 

But do you know what helps me feel better? I take a deep breath and remember there are still many things to be grateful for! There are kind and generous people like you out there, giving in whatever way you can to help people who are struggling in your own community.   

Thank you for helping us meet the skyrocketing demand for food assistance in Waterloo region. Thank you for giving a little bit more hope… and some peace of mind to people struggling with rising inflation, with ever-increasing costs of food, gas and housing.  

As you’ll read in this newsletter, last year the demand for food assistance in this region soared. Now 1 in 14 households are accessing an emergency food program. I’m so grateful that you were there, alongside our other generous supporters. Thanks to you, more people had access to fresh, healthy food to feed their families and loved ones.  

Thank you so much for remaining by our side, as a valued supporter. You put a little bit more hope into my heart each day. Together, I know we can make it through these tough times and soon, maybe things will look a little brighter.   

With my sincerest thanks, 

Kim Wilhelm
Interim CEO
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region

You’re meeting the rising need.

Demand for food has dramatically increased in the community.   

Your heartfelt and generous support is helping more people in your community than ever before. 

You’ve likely heard it in the news. You’ve experienced it in your own soaring grocery, gas and other bills. Our cost of living has dramatically increased over the past year. So, it makes sense that the demand for food bank services has increased dramatically as well.  

We are new seeing 1 in 14 households accessing emergency food programs where before it was 1 in 20. That’s a significant increase.  At the time of writing this article, the demand shows no signs of slowing down.  

Thank goodness you are there with us. Your thoughtful gifts provide fresh fruits and veggies, which are some of the most sought after and highly valued food items. 

Users of the Cambridge’s mobile farmers market has increased 10 times from 60 to 600 families weekly since it started in July 2021! 

“Many users of the food hamper program are post-secondary students who aren’t able to put enough food on their tables,” says Dianne McLeod, executive director of the Cambridge Food Bank. “More seniors on a fixed income are also accessing our mobile food market as their income has become inadequate in providing enough food for them.” 

You’re giving peace of mind to individuals and families in your community who are making tough choices every day: buy gas, pay utilities or put food on their tables? Thank you sincerely for giving what you can to help us meet the ever-increasing need. 

Increase in younger users: 

• 34% are youth under the age of 18  
• 21% are adults aged 18 to 30  

Community Connections: You raised TWO million meals!

Two million meals for hungry men, women and kids in Waterloo region!

This summer, we asked for your help to raise TWO million meals for our Full Bellies. Happy Hearts campaign. It was an ambitious goal, but you did it! 

You joined with other caring members of this community to provide fresh, healthy food to individuals and families who have been hit incredibly hard by skyrocketing inflation. 

A special thank you goes out to the Allan Bush Investment Team for, once again, matching campaign donations this year. Along with you and Allan, this achievement would not have been possible. 

Waffles in the Warehouse

If you’re not familiar with it, the Waffles in the Warehouse event started in 2013. Each year we invite community members to come and have breakfast in our warehouse.  

This year’s highly successful event took place in person and virtually on September 23rd. With over 100 attendees, it was a great time to connect with our community in person for the first time since the pandemic began. 

The event was sponsored by YNCU, a financial institution focused on promoting growth in local communities. YNCU has been a dedicated supporter of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region since 1997, collecting 2,685 pounds of food and $51,876 in donations, for a total of 127,725 meals! 

Thank you to everyone who participated! 

Partner Spotlight: Providing connection at the Kingsdale Community Centre

If you or someone you know heads to the Kingsdale Community Centre to pick up food items for your family – you’ll always be greeted by a friendly face. 

House of Friendship operates their food distribution program from the Kingsdale Community Centre. Food provides a connecting point for the community, ensuring everyone has access to the programs they need. 

This was particularly apparent during COVID-19, when people were isolated inside. Kingsdale Community Centre gave people the chance to get out of the house, talk to their neighbours and connect with staff and volunteers.  

House of Friendship also began providing cooking programs prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, which have continued online throughout the pandemic. One advantage to the online sessions is that participants learn how to cook nutritious food right at home in their own kitchens and can involve family members too!   

Cooking class participants can chat about what’s going on in their lives and connect with other community members. It can be particularly helpful for those who are new to Canada and the Kingsdale neighbourhood to connect with their neighbours. 

Your support of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region ensures people have weekly access to emergency food hampers. You also provide bundles of fresh, nutritious ingredients for those who are participating in the monthly cooking program.  

Thank you for your ongoing compassion and kindness!