Food insecurity on the rise: 1 in 8 households in Waterloo region struggling to afford food, 2024 Community Impact report says

Waterloo Region, Ont., October 21, 2024 – The Food Bank of Waterloo Region released its 2024 Community Impact report today, revealing that one in eight households in the region is struggling to afford food. A year earlier, it was one in 10 households, and two years ago it was one in 14.

“The latest data from our 2024 Community Impact report is deeply concerning. With one in eight households now accessing a food hamper program, the increase in need is undeniable. Just three years ago it was one in 20 households. This sharp rise in food insecurity reflects the growing challenges that many in our community are facing—whether due to rising costs, job insecurity, or other economic pressures,” says Kim Wilhelm, CEO at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

The report, which includes data collected by the 54 organizations within the Community Food Assistance Network between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024, also shows that 73,615 adults and children accessed food assistance this year—an increase of 25 per cent from the 58,688 individuals supported last year. The number of new households accessing food support for the first time increased by 12 per cent, with 8,469 households seeking assistance compared to 7,549 the previous year.

This growing need is also reflected in the number of visits to food hamper programs, which increased by 24 per cent, rising to 558,545 compared to 450,387 the previous year. Additionally, visits to food hamper programs of eight times or more increased by 17 per cent.

Additionally, the report reveals that 11 per cent of households that reported an income source when accessing food hamper programs in Waterloo region had at least one employed member but still lacked sufficient income to afford food. As well, 19 per cent of households reported receiving Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program payments yet struggled to cover groceries. Similarly, two per cent of households relying on Old Age Security payments found they didn’t have enough room in their budget to meet their food needs.

“When 32 per cent of people needing food support are either employed or receiving government assistance and still can’t afford to eat, it shows that we’re no longer just providing temporary help during a crisis. Food assistance programs are becoming a regular part of life for many, and that’s not how it should be,” says Wilhelm, adding, “It’s clear that something must change. Food insecurity is a complicated issue, and food banks can’t solve it on their own. We need real action from all levels of government to tackle things like social assistance, living wages, and affordable housing. It’s about making sure people have enough income to support themselves.”

In 2023–2024, The Food Bank and Cambridge Food Bank, co-leaders of the Network, distributed 8.9 million pounds of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food to partner organizations—a 31 per cent increase. Together, these organizations provided nourishment through food hampers, community meals, nutritional outreach, and shelter and residential meals across the region.

“While the report shows an increase in the number of people and households accessing food assistance and more visits to food hamper programs, it also highlights the collective impact we’ve had in supporting more individuals and families than ever before, emphasizing the critical role the Network plays in providing essential food support,” says Wilhelm.

In total, Network partners distributed 186,000 food hampers, a 23 per cent increase from the 151,000 hampers given out the year before, and served 1.2 million meals, a 38 per cent increase from the 874,000 meals provided the previous year.

Wilhelm reflects on the vital role the community plays in local hunger relief efforts, highlighting how donations and volunteers are key to sustaining The Food Bank’s work.

“Our community’s support for neighbours facing hunger is truly invaluable. Without generous cash and food donations, we couldn’t restock our shelves, buy food that meets diverse cultural and dietary needs, keep our delivery vehicles on the road, or sustain the Network. We also couldn’t do this vital work without the nearly 4,500 dedicated volunteers who help ensure no one in our community goes hungry,” she says.

To get involved, either donating food, funds, time, or joining The Food Bank’s calls for action, visit thefoodbank.ca/get-involved.

To learn more about hunger in Waterloo region and The Food Bank’s impact on addressing food insecurity and poverty, read the 2024 Community Impact report at thefoodbank.ca/about/financial-accountability.

Resources

2024 Community Impact report

Strategic Plan, 2024–2027

Celebrating 40 Years of Feeding Waterloo Region: The history of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region

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. Forty years after its incorporation, The Food Bank continues to evolve to meet the community’s needs, ensuring that no one in Waterloo region experiences hunger. As a distribution centre, The Food Bank distributes more than 8.9 million pounds of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food to 54 organizations within the Community Food Assistance Network. Learn more at thefoodbank.ca.

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Media contact

Michelle Rickard
Manager, Marketing and Communications
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region
micheller@thefoodbank.ca