Both organizations are reducing duplication, streamlining processes, and strengthening service delivery across the region

Waterloo Region, Ont., April 30, 2026 – The Food Bank of Waterloo Region and the Cambridge Food Bank are working more closely together to strengthen collaboration in key operational areas in response to rising community need. With a shared goal of ensuring no one in the region goes hungry, the two organizations are maintaining their independent, locally focused operations while improving how they work together behind the scenes. This will help reduce confusion about how food support is organized and delivered across the region, improve the use of existing resources, and support more consistent service delivery.

There are no changes to how individuals access food support, and services will continue as they do today.

“Food insecurity in our region continues to rise, and we are seeing more individuals and families turning to food banks for support,” said Kim Wilhelm, CEO of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. “By working more closely with the Cambridge Food Bank, we are improving coordination across our organizations so we can make better use of existing resources, reduce duplication, and ensure food support is delivered as consistently and effectively as possible across Waterloo region.”

Recent data shows food insecurity in Waterloo region continues to reach record levels. Across Waterloo region’s food assistance network, more than 600,000 visits are made to food support programs annually, supporting approximately 73,000 individuals, with demand increasing significantly in recent years. Rising housing costs, food prices, and overall affordability pressures continue to be key drivers of this trend, with more households struggling to keep up with day-to-day expenses.

In response, the two organizations are directing their initial efforts toward specific operational areas where closer coordination can improve consistency, streamline shared functions, and make better use of existing resources to support service delivery across the region. This includes agency relations, communications and marketing, fundraising coordination, retail food donations, and finance and back-office functions.

“The Cambridge Food Bank remains deeply rooted in the Cambridge and North Dumfries community, and that will not change,” said Dianne McLeod, CEO of the Cambridge Food Bank. “This work is about improving how we coordinate with The Food Bank of Waterloo Region so we can better respond to growing need, while continuing to focus on the local programs, relationships, and services that matter to the people we serve every day.”

The Hallman Foundation is supporting this work as it moves into implementation, helping strengthen collaboration and execution between both organizations.

Both organizations remain focused on strengthening coordination to better support individuals and families facing food insecurity across Waterloo region.

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.

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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

media@thefoodbank.ca