Waterloo Region, Ont., December 11, 2024 – The Food Bank of Waterloo Region has secured a significant funding increase, as Regional Council voted to raise its funding to $1.5 million during a Wednesday vote. This decision marks a $756,000 boost in support for the organization.

The funding increase was approved as part of the 2025 budget, in response to the escalating demand for emergency food assistance across the region. Food assistance use has reached record levels, with 558,545 visits to a hamper program in the past year—a 24 per cent increase over the previous year. The demand for food support continues to rise, with no signs of slowing. In October 2024 alone, 25,000 individuals accessed emergency food support, marking an all-time high for the organization.

In total, The Food Bank distributed 8.9 million pounds of food in 2023–2024—a 31 per cent increase from the year before—to the Community Food Assistance Network, which includes 54 organizations operating 132 food assistance programs across the region. The Network distributed more than 186,800 hampers and served over 1.2 million community meals, reflecting a 23 per cent and 38 per cent increase in demand for support, respectively.

Kim Wilhelm, CEO of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, expressed gratitude for the Council’s decision. “This funding is a lifeline for our community,” said Wilhelm. “With food insecurity impacting one in eight households in Waterloo region, this increase will allow us to continue meeting the growing demand for food assistance and provide vital support to those in need.”

Regional Council’s approval of the $1.5 million funding is an important step in ensuring the Community Food Assistance Network remains equipped to respond to ongoing food insecurity. While the funding falls short of The Food Bank’s original request of $2.086 million, it still represents a significant commitment to supporting those in need.

“We are deeply grateful to Regional Council for recognizing the urgency of the situation and approving a permanent increase in funding,” said Wilhelm. “Although our Network will continue to face challenges at this level of funding, we remain committed to working alongside Regional Council, as well as public and private partners across the region, to bridge the gaps and ensure that no one in Waterloo region goes hungry.”

For more information about The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, visit thefoodbank.ca.

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.

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Media contact

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