Help create a hunger-free Waterloo region this Hunger Action Month

September is Hunger Action Month—a time to shine a light on hunger in our communities and inspire each of us to take action. Across the country, food banks are coming together to raise our collective voice, calling for real solutions to end food insecurity and poverty. The Food Bank of Waterloo Region is proud to be part of this movement.

Right now, we are seeing the highest need for food assistance in our 41-year history. One in eight households in our community is turning to partner organizations in the Community Food Assistance Network for support. These numbers are more than statistics—they represent neighbours, friends, and families who are struggling to put food on the table.

Emergency food programs provide a lifeline in times of crisis, but they can’t solve the root problem: poverty. Food banks alone cannot end hunger. Real change requires bold action, and it starts with all of us coming together to advocate for solutions that give everyone in our community a fair chance to thrive.

To create a Waterloo region where no one experiences hunger, we must do more than respond to the immediate need. Emergency food assistance is vital—but it’s not enough on its own. True change requires bold, systemic action from both the provincial and federal governments. This means implementing policies that raise social assistance rates to levels that reflect the real cost of living, ensuring wages are high enough for people to meet their basic needs, and making housing safe, secure, and affordable for everyone.

Our provincial partner, Feed Ontario, and our national partner, Food Banks Canada, have each developed strong, evidence-based policy recommendations to address these critical issues. Their proposals outline concrete steps governments can take to reduce poverty and, in turn, hunger—addressing the root causes rather than just the symptoms. The Food Bank fully supports these recommendations as essential, long-term solutions to food insecurity. Together, we can create a future where emergency food banks are no longer a necessity, because everyone has the resources they need to thrive.

This Hunger Action Month, I invite you to stand with us and add your voice to our call for change. Hunger is not just about empty cupboards—it’s about the deep, systemic poverty that keeps individuals and families from meeting their most basic needs. By signing our petition at thefoodbank.ca, you can help urge elected officials to take bold, meaningful action to reduce hunger and address poverty at its source. Every signature is a powerful statement that the people of Waterloo region are united, paying attention, and demanding solutions. We’ll deliver this message directly to local politicians to show that our community is ready to work together for lasting change. Your voice matters—let’s make it heard.

If you’re looking for more ways to take action and support those in need, non-perishable food and financial donations are always appreciated. Drop off a non-perishable food item at any grocery store in Kitchener-Waterloo or donate online at thefoodbank.ca/donate. Every dollar donated to The Food Bank can help provide two meals for someone facing hunger.

Volunteering your time is another powerful way to make a difference. We’re always looking for volunteers to help in our distribution centre or at a community fundraising event in support of The Food Bank. Visit thefoodbank.ca/volunteer to learn more about our volunteer opportunities.

Finally, you can make a big impact simply by spreading the word about Hunger Action Month on your social media channels. Every post you share helps raise awareness about hunger in our community and encourages others to get involved. By sharing with your friends, family, and colleagues, you’re helping to spark conversations, inspire action, and build a stronger movement for change. Follow The Food Bank (foodbankwatreg) on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X to stay connected, see the latest updates, and easily share our posts with your network.

Every effort matters—whether it’s signing a petition to call for change, donating food to help fill someone’s pantry, contributing money to fund vital programs, volunteering your time to support our work, or sharing our message online to reach more people. Each action, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to ending hunger in Waterloo region. By working together, we can raise awareness, inspire others to take part, and push for long-term solutions that create a hunger-free future for everyone. This Hunger Action Month, your choices have the power to change lives. How will you make a difference?

Kim Wilhelm, CEO, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region