As communities across Canada grapple with rising needs, the Food Bank of Waterloo Region has sounded a stark warning: food insecurity isn’t improving — it’s getting worse. A recent report shows record-high demand for food assistance in the region, revealing that emergency food programs are no longer a short-term crutch but a long-term lifeline for thousands of households struggling to cover basic needs.
Record Demand for Food Assistance
Between July 2024 and June 2025, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region distributed a record-breaking 9.6 million pounds of food through its Community Food Assistance Network, which includes 61 partner agencies across Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, and surrounding townships. During this period, nearly 73,000 people accessed food support, and visits to food hamper programs skyrocketed to almost 622,000 — the highest numbers the organization has seen.
One of the most concerning trends is the frequency of use among individuals and families. More than 7,000 households accessed food hampers eight or more times in the last year — a 21 percent increase compared to the previous reporting period. These figures reflect a shift in how people interact with emergency food programs: more households are relying on them regularly, not just in times of immediate crisis.
Root Causes: Housing, Wages, and Rising Costs
The reasons behind this ongoing crisis are complex, but several systemic factors stand out.
A major pressure point is housing costs. In the Waterloo region, 67 percent of households accessing food assistance reported that they rent their home. High rental costs leave many families with little money left to cover groceries and other essentials, creating a vicious cycle in which food insecurity and housing insecurity reinforce one another.
Another key factor is insufficient income. Of the households that reported an income source, 11 percent said they were employed but still couldn’t afford food. Another 21 percent reported receiving Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) payments yet still struggled to buy groceries. These numbers make it clear that low wages and inadequate social assistance rates can’t keep pace with the rising cost of living, forcing many to make impossible choices between rent, utilities, and food.
Adding to the strain, food costs themselves are rising. According to the Canada Food Price Report 2026, overall food prices are expected to increase by 4 to 6 percent, meaning a family of four could spend nearly $17,572 on food this year — up to $995 more than the year before. For households already struggling to make ends meet, this increase could push even more families into food insecurity.
A Shift from Short-Term Aid to Long-Term Need
What these numbers illustrate is clear: for many people in Waterloo region, food assistance is no longer a temporary safety net — it’s becoming a long-term necessity.
Historically, food banks were designed to help people get through short-lived crises. However, the current reality shows that chronic food insecurity has taken hold, driven by long-term income pressures, steady increases in basic living costs, and a lack of affordable housing options. These structural challenges mean that more individuals and families find themselves returning to food programs again and again.
Why Systemic Solutions Matter
While community support — including food and monetary donations, volunteering, and local advocacy — remains essential for day-to-day relief, it alone cannot reverse the broader trend. The Food Bank of Waterloo Region emphasizes that lasting change requires action on systemic issues that contribute to food insecurity.
Affordable housing is one of the most urgent priorities. When families spend the majority of their income on rent, very little is left for nutritious food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities. Ensuring access to affordable, stable housing would relieve financial pressure on households and help prevent food insecurity from deepening.
Similarly, living wages and stronger social assistance programs are critical. Many people accessing food support are employed or receiving government benefits, yet still cannot afford basic groceries. Adjusting minimum wage standards and benefit structures to align with the true cost of living would help close the gap between income and essential expenses.
Addressing rising food prices and increasing accessibility to affordable, nutritious food also requires coordinated policy efforts. This includes support for local food systems, nutrition access programs, and interventions that reduce barriers to healthy eating for low-income households.
The Role of Community and Continued Support
Despite the daunting statistics, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region continues its efforts alongside partner agencies and community supporters to deliver essential food assistance where it’s needed most. This work relies heavily on the generosity of volunteers, donors, and local organizations that provide food, financial contributions, and time — all of which help keep the Community Food Assistance Network operational.
Over the next year, the organization plans to advocate for meaningful policy changes and strengthen its capacity to respond to the growing need within the community. While food banks play a crucial role in providing immediate relief, tackling the root causes of food insecurity will require government leadership, policy reform, and collective action from all sectors.
A Call to Action
The data from The Food Bank of Waterloo Region underscores a sobering truth: food insecurity is not abating. Without systemic change, chronic reliance on emergency food assistance will continue to rise. But with community engagement, thoughtful policy, and sustained support, there is potential to build a future where no one in Waterloo region goes hungry.
