Food Bank of Waterloo Region sees increase in demand during August

New numbers from the Food Bank of Waterloo Region show a record number of people are using their services.

In August, over 24,000 individuals required assistance from the local food bank, showing a 10 per cent increase from last year. Of that number, around 9,000 were children, showing an increase of four per cent. Currently, one in 10 people in the region are living with food insecurity.

Kim Wilhelm, the CEO of the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, said the cost of living is still high and people are still having to make “impossible choices.” She noted that they have put a lot of resources into purchased food and do not have the same stream of donations as they did before the pandemic.

“The food costs are high for everyone, whether it’s an individual at the grocery store trying to purchase food for their family,” said Wilhelm. “They may not have the additional funds in their budget to buy an extra food donation to put in the bin.”

During October, the Food Bank of Waterloo Region will be taking part in multiple events to help address the need. On Oct. 4, the Kitchener Rangers will be hosting Oktoberfest Night during their home game against the Flint Firebirds and will be taking donations to help fill a GRT bus. The Stuff-A-Bus campaign will also be happening on Oct. 5.

Kitchener city council has teamed up with the Food Bank of Waterloo Region for Grillefest on Oct. 11 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Gaukel Block, and will be serving sausage on a bun available for a $5 minimum donation.

Donations will also be collected during the Onkel Hans Food Drive during the K-W Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade on Oct. 14th, as well at the Concordia Club’s Oktoberfest Appreciate Night on Oct. 16.