No child should start the school year hungry

As summer winds down and a new school year approaches, families across Waterloo region are shopping for backpacks, pencils, notebooks and new clothes. But for the families of the 26,000 children in Waterloo region living in food-insecure households, the biggest concern isn’t what their children will wear or which supplies they’ll need—it’s whether there will be enough food on the table.

When a child doesn’t have enough to eat, the impact extends far beyond a missed meal. Hunger affects every part of a child’s life. It can interfere with their ability to learn, play, concentrate, and simply be a kid. Over time, it can take a significant toll on both physical and mental health.

Research from the University of Toronto’s PROOF program highlights the serious consequences of food insecurity. Beyond poor nutrition, food insecurity is linked to higher risk of diet-related diseases, including diabetes. It’s also associated with mental health challenges such as hyperactivity and inattention during childhood, along with increased risks of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation later in life.

In the classroom, the effects are immediate. Children cannot learn effectively when they’re hungry. Without reliable access to nutritious food, it becomes harder to concentrate, retain information, and keep up with classmates.

Healthy food is fundamental to a child’s development. Proper nutrition supports physical growth, brain development, and overall well-being, laying the foundation for a healthier, more stable future. Simply put, when children have access to the food they need, they’re better positioned to succeed.

That’s why The Food Bank of Waterloo Region runs its Full Bellies. Happy Hearts. campaign every summer—to help ensure children and families have access to nutritious food when school meal programs are unavailable and household budgets are stretched even further.

This year, the campaign aims to raise 1.5 million meals by August 31. Thanks to the generosity of our community, one million meals have already been raised. With your help, we can provide the remaining 500,000 meals by making a donation at thefoodbank.ca/fullbellies. Thanks to a generous match from the Allan Bush Investment Team, every dollar donated provides four meals instead of two.

Community members can also support the campaign by donating kid-friendly, non-perishable food items such as applesauce pouches, granola bars, and juice boxes—simple snacks that help children stay nourished and focused throughout the day. Donations can be dropped off at grocery stores, as well as police, fire, and paramedic stations throughout Kitchener-Waterloo.

Another impactful way to help is by hosting a food and fund drive. Whether it’s collecting donations at a garage sale, sports tournament, family barbecue, workplace, or community event, every contribution helps support local families facing hunger. Just as importantly, these efforts raise awareness and encourage others to get involved. To register a food and fund drive, visit thefoodbank.ca/ffd.

No child should have to start the school year hungry. In a community like ours, they don’t have to. We have the resources, the compassion, and the collective ability to make a difference. Together, we can ensure every child arrives at school nourished, ready to learn, and free to focus on what matters most—being a kid.

Kim Wilhelm is the CEO at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.