The Food Bank has not seen a funding increase from the Region since 2016

Waterloo Region, Ont., December 13, 2023 – Waterloo Regional Council voted unanimously in favour of an increase to The Food Bank of Waterloo Region’s grant in the 2024 regional budget. The Food Bank will receive $1.5 million, up from $744,000. This one-time increase in funding will allow The Food Bank and its 120+ agency partners to expand its reach providing additional food and resources to those in need in 2024.

“Everyone in our community deserves to have food on their tables,” says Kim Wilhelm, interim CEO, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. “As community need continues to rise, an increase in our funding from our local leaders could not have come at a more pivotal time. With this funding, we have an opportunity for our services to reach more households in our community, and meaningfully impact our residents, reducing food insecurity across Waterloo region.”

Across the region, one in 10 households rely on the Network of 120+ community programs and agency partners to access fresh and nutritious food.

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region has not received an increase to its annual grant since it first started receiving regional funding in 2015/2016. Since then, the number of individuals and families accessing The Food Bank’s resources has skyrocketed. Visits within the network have increased by 136 per cent over the last five years, with a 91 per cent increase in unique individuals accessing food assistance.  

This past year alone, more than 7,500 households accessed a food assistance program for the first time. This represents a 113 per cent increase when compared to the organization’s previous year. 

“We are incredibly grateful to the Region for the support they continue to provide The Food Bank and our Network agency partners over the years,” says Wilhelm. “This increase will enable us to continue on our mission to ensure no one in our community goes hungry.”

The motion passed unanimously receiving a total of 16 votes in favour. Regional Council will finalize the 2024 budget in February of next year. 

About The Food Bank of Waterloo Region

Founded in 1984, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region (The Food Bank) was the first organization of its kind in Ontario dedicated to providing emergency food. Thirty-nine years after incorporation, The Food Bank continues to evolve to meet the needs of the community, ensuring no one goes hungry. The Food Bank acquires and distributes more than 6.8 million pounds of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food to 120+ community programs and agency partners throughout Waterloo region. 

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Media contact

Karson Simpson
Durrell Communications
karsons@durrellcomm.com