Hunger Action Month: Five ways to make a difference

Waterloo region, Ont., September 2, 2025 – This September, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region and Cambridge Food Bank are joining food banks across the country to recognize Hunger Action Month, a time to raise awareness about hunger and food insecurity and call for meaningful change.

Last year alone, more than 73,000 people in Waterloo region relied on a food assistance program—a record-high number that reflects not a temporary surge, but an ongoing and deepening crisis. As food insecurity continues to rise across the tri-cities, townships, and beyond, Kim Wilhelm, CEO of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, says there has never been a more critical time to act.

“We encourage everyone to get involved—whether by learning more about food insecurity, urging elected officials to take action on poverty, volunteering their time and skills, or donating food or funds. Together, we can support our neighbours and work toward lasting solutions to food insecurity.”

Dianne McLeod, CEO of the Cambridge Food Bank agrees. “We see firsthand how many people are struggling to put food on the table. Hunger Action Month is a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play. When our community comes together—through donations, volunteering, or raising awareness—we can make sure our neighbours have the support they need today, while pushing for solutions that create a hunger-free tomorrow.”

Here’s how to get involved during Hunger Action Month

There are many ways the community can get involved this September:

• Sign the petition

Hunger isn’t caused by bad choices—it’s the result of low income and gaps in our social safety net. To tackle food insecurity, the Food Bank of Waterloo Region and the Cambridge Food Bank are urging the provincial and federal governments to adopt policies that reduce poverty and improve incomes. Feed Ontario and Food Banks Canada have put forward recommendations on social assistance, affordable housing, and living wages, which the food banks support as long-term solutions. Residents are invited to sign a petition to add their voices to this call for action. The petition will be shared with local politicians to show that Waterloo region residents are united in addressing the root causes of hunger.

• Attend a pop-up outreach event

Learn more about hunger in Waterloo region by attending a pop-up outreach event. The Cambridge Food Bank is hosting two Stuff-a-Van events:

• • Saturday, September 6, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Sobeys, 130 Cedar Street, Cambridge
  • Saturday, September 13, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Foodland, 1011 Northumberland Street, Ayr

Volunteers and staff will be collecting food and funds while sharing information about Hunger Action Month.

Additionally, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region will have a booth at Waterloo Public Square on Friday, September 12, from noon to 1 p.m., where visitors can learn more about food insecurity in the region, sign the online petition, and pick up a sticker to show their support.

• Donate food or funds

Help your neighbours in need. Non-perishable food donations can be dropped off at grocery stores across the region and financial donations made online at thefoodbank.ca or cambridgefoodbank.org. Every dollar donated provides two meals for people facing hunger.

• Become a volunteer

Lend your time and talent to support programs and events. Interested individuals can visit thefoodbank.ca or cambridgefoodbank.org to learn more and register.

• Raise awareness on social media

Share information about Hunger Action Month on social media using the #HungerActionMonth to spread the message and encourage others to take action. Follow The Food Bank of Waterloo Region on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. Likewise, follow the Cambridge Food Bank Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Learn more about Hunger Action Month at thefoodbank.ca/hungeractionmonth.

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-one 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.

About the Cambridge Food Bank

The Cambridge Food Bank is dedicated to addressing food insecurity and promoting community well-being in Cambridge and North Dumfries. Guided by our core pillars, healthy people, connected community, and environmental sustainability, we strive to build health and belonging through food, education, and advocacy. Learn more at cambridgefoodbank.org.

Media contacts

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

Dianne McLeod
CEO
Cambridge Food Bank
dmcleod@cambridgefoodbank.org