2025 Community Impact report reveals record visits to food hamper programs and growing long-term reliance

Waterloo Region, Ont., November 6, 2025 – The Food Bank of Waterloo Region released its 2025 Community Impact report today, revealing there were close to 622,000 total visits to food hamper programs—a 205 per cent increase since 2019 and the highest number ever recorded. 

The report, which compiles data from the 61 organizations within the Community Food Assistance Network between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, also shows that over 7,000 households accessed a hamper program more than eight times—a 21 per cent increase from the year before. 

“The latest data from our 2025 Community Impact report is deeply concerning,” says Kim Wilhelm, CEO at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. “Food assistance is no longer just a short-term safety net. High housing costs, stagnant wages, and inadequate social supports are forcing more people to rely on emergency food programs long-term.” 

To meet the need, between July 2024 and June 2025, The Food Bank distributed a record-breaking 9.6 million pounds of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food to Network partners—a seven per cent increase over the previous year—supporting nearly 73,000 people experiencing food insecurity. 

“We did see a modest glimmer of hope,” Wilhelm notes. “Slightly fewer individuals and families visited food hamper programs. This suggests that, for some households, circumstances may be stabilizing—or community supports are helping them make ends meet a little longer. While this is encouraging, far too many still rely on emergency food programs long-term.” 

Wilhelm emphasizes that lasting change requires bold, systemic solutions. 

“Food banks provide critical short-term support, but they alone cannot solve this issue,” she says. “Affordable housing, living wages, and stronger social assistance are key to preventing poverty and food insecurity in the first place. Without these measures, too many people will continue to face chronic food insecurity, relying on charitable supports to get by.” 

In addition to highlighting the need for food assistance, the report underscores the vital role the community plays in addressing hunger. Donations and volunteers remain essential to sustaining The Food Bank’s work. 

“Our community’s support is truly invaluable,” Wilhelm adds. “Without generous food and monetary donations, we couldn’t restock our shelves, fill critical inventory gaps, maintain our warehouse, or keep our delivery trucks on the road. We also rely on 4,800 dedicated volunteers who support our fundraising events and warehouse operations, helping ensure no one in our community goes hungry.” 

To learn more about hunger in Waterloo region and The Food Bank’s impact on addressing food insecurity and poverty, read the 2025 Community Impact report at thefoodbank.ca/communityimpact. 

To get involved—by donating food, funds, or time—visit thefoodbank.ca/get-involved. 

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 9.6 million pounds of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food to 61 organizations within the Community Food Assistance Network. Learn more at thefoodbank.ca.

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Media contact

Kim Wilhelm
CEO
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region
media@thefoodbank.ca