Your guide to making food security a priority this municipal election

Municipal elections are taking place across Ontario on October 26. With food insecurity at record levels in Waterloo region and across Canada, local leaders have an important role to play in supporting solutions. This guide will help you learn who the candidates are, understand how municipalities can make a difference, and engage in the election process. Your vote is an opportunity to help make food security a priority in your community.

What does food insecurity look like in Waterloo region?

• 1 in 9 households is experiencing food insecurity
• Nearly 73,000 individuals are accessing food assistance programs
• 26,000+ children live in food-insecure households

People turn to food assistance for many reasons, from temporary financial setbacks to ongoing challenges such as low incomes and rising housing costs.

Hunger solutions: Who does what?

Different levels of government make decisions that affect people’s ability to afford food, housing, and other essentials.

Municipal government

Local services and community supports

• Affordable housing and homelessness strategies
• Public transit
• Recreation subsidies
• Local emergency assistance programs
• Community planning and development

Provincial government

Income supports, housing, and health

• Ontario Works (OW)
• Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
• Rent and housing programs
• Minimum wage and employment standards
• Healthcare and mental health services
• Education and childcare funding

Federal government

Income security and national programs

• Employment Insurance (EI)
• Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
• Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
• National housing investments
• Tax credits and income supports
• Indigenous and newcomer support programs

What can municipal governments do to address food insecurity?

Food banks provide emergency support, but lasting solutions to food insecurity require action on income, housing, and affordability.

While many of these policies are set by provincial and federal governments, municipal leaders can play an important role by advocating for change, supporting affordable housing initiatives, and elevating community concerns.

Together with Feed Ontario and Food Banks Canada, we continue to call for long-term solutions that address poverty and reduce food insecurity.

What can I do to help make food security a priority in this election?

Learn where candidates stand on issues related to food insecurity, housing, and poverty. Visit candidate websites, attend debates and community forums, or ask questions when speaking with candidates directly.

Consider asking:

• Affordable housing: What actions will you take to increase access to affordable and supportive housing?
• Homelessness: How will you help prevent homelessness and support people in finding stable housing?
• Income security: How will you advocate for living wages and stronger income supports for residents?
• Provincial advocacy: Will you advocate for increases to Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program rates? If so, how?

Who’s running for election in Waterloo region?

Learn more about the candidates running in your municipality and for the Region of Waterloo by visiting the municipal election information pages below:

• City of Cambridge candidate profiles
• City of Kitchener candidate information
• City of Waterloo candidate information
• Township of North Dumfries election information
• Township of Wellesley election information
• Township of Wilmot candidate information
• Township of Woolwich candidate list
• Region of Waterloo election information

Food insecurity affects thousands of people across Waterloo region, but meaningful change is possible when communities raise their voices and advocate for solutions. As the municipal election approaches, we encourage residents to learn about food insecurity, engage with candidates on the issue, and participate in the democratic process.