‘Ongoing and deepening crisis’; Local food banks take part in Hunger Action Month
Posted Sep 6, 2025 05:58:31 AM.
Last Updated Sep 6, 2025 09:22:46 AM.
Waterloo Region’s local food banks are joining several others across the country in Hunger Action Month to help address food insecurity.
Both the Food Bank of Waterloo Region and the Cambridge Food Bank say that 73,000 people across the region relied on food assistance programs in 2024, showing a “ongoing and deepening crisis.”
“We see firsthand how many people are struggling to put food on the table. Hunger Action Month is a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play,” Dianne McLeod, CEO of the Cambridge Food Bank, said in a statement. “When our community comes together-through donations, volunteering, or raising awareness we can make sure our neighbours have the support they need today, while pushing for solutions that create a hunger-free tomorrow.”
The organizations are also calling on the federal and provincial governments to adopt policies that will help reduce poverty and increase incomes. They note that Feed Ontario and Food Banks Canada have put forward recommendations on affordable housing, living wages and social assistance.
“We encourage everyone to get involved, whether by learning more about food insecurity, urging elected officials to take action on poverty, volunteering their time and skills, or donating food or funds,” Kim Wilhelm, CEO of the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, said in a statement. “Together, we can support our neighbours and work toward lasting solutions to food insecurity.”
As part of the initiative, several pop-up events will be happening across the region this month.
- Stuff-A-Van outreach event – Saturday, September 6, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Sobeys, 130 Cedar Street, Cambridge
- Waterloo Region Food Bank information booth – Friday September 12, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m., Waterloo Public Square
- Stuff-A-Van outreach event – Saturday, September 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Foodland, 1011 Northumberland Street, Ayr
Residents can get involved by volunteering, donating food and cash, signing the online petition and spreading the word on social media using the hashtag #HungerActionMonth.
