New year, same worsening food insecurity crisis in Waterloo region

The start of a new year is often a time for renewal and optimism. But for the one in nine households in Waterloo region struggling to afford food, the reality looks very different. Our data shows that food insecurity isn’t easing—it’s getting worse.

Between July 2024 and June 2025, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region distributed a record-breaking 9.6 million pounds of food through 61 partner organizations in the Community Food Assistance Network. Nearly 73,000 people accessed food assistance, and visits to food hamper programs reached almost 622,000—the highest we’ve every seen. Even more concerning, more than 7,000 households needed a food hamper program eight or more times, a 21 per cent increase from the year before.

These numbers make one thing clear: food assistance is no longer just a short-term safety net. More people are relying on emergency food programs long-term, and several systemic issues are driving this trend.

Housing costs continue to be a major pressure. In Waterloo region, 67 per cent of households accessing food assistance reported that they rent their home, suggesting that high rental costs are leaving families with little left for groceries and other essentials.

Low wages and inadequate social assistance are also key factors. Of the households that reported an income source, 11 per cent said they were employed—but still couldn’t afford food. Another 21 per cent reported receiving Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program payments and still struggled to buy groceries. These figures show that wages and social assistance rates simply aren’t keeping up with the rising cost of living.

Rising food prices are adding even more strain. According to Canada’s Food Price Report 2026, overall food prices are expected to increase by four to six per cent. A family of four is expected to spend $17,571.79 in food this year—up to $994.63 more than in 2025. For households already living paycheque to paycheque, this increase will be devastating and will push even more people into food insecurity.

Without action on these systemic issues, long-term dependence on food assistance will continue to grow. Community support can help food banks provide essential short-term relief, but meaningful, lasting change requires government intervention. Affordable housing, living wages, and stronger social assistance programs are crucial to preventing poverty and food insecurity in the first place. Without these measures, too many people will continue to face chronic food insecurity and rely on charitable supports to get by.

In the meantime, we’ll continue working alongside our Network partners to ensure everyone in Waterloo region can access the support they need. This work is only possible because of dedicated volunteers and generous donors who give their time, food, and financial contributions.

Over the next 12 months, The Food Bank will continue advocating for meaningful policy changes and strengthening our Network’s ability to respond to the growing need in our community. Community support will remain essential.

If you want to give food, you can drop off non-perishable food items at any grocery store or police, fire, or paramedic station in Kitchener-Waterloo. To donate money, visit thefoodbank.ca/donate. To volunteer your time, go to thefoodbank.ca/volunteer.

Together, we can build a community where no one experiences hunger.

Kim Wilhelm, CEO, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region