Local food banks receive $4.5M from Balsillie Family Foundation
Posted Sep 22, 2026 01:28:15 PM.
Local food banks are receiving a multi-million dollar funding boost from a major donor to address rising food insecurity.
The Balsillie Family Foundation is committing $4.5-million for the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, Cambridge Food Bank, Guelph Food Bank, and Centre Wellington Food Bank.
“This investment recognizes both the urgency of the need and the importance of building strong community infrastructure that can help people access healthy food with dignity,” said Jim Balsillie, in a release. “The leadership and innovation demonstrated by these organizations gives me tremendous confidence in what is possible.”
The latest investment from the Balsillie Family Foundation will support immediate needs, infrastructure projects, and campaigns as the demand for food assistance in Waterloo-Wellington reaches record levels.
According to the local food banks, usage has more than tripled since 2019 with more than 82,000 adults and 29,000 children accessing supports.
For the Cambridge Food Bank, the funding will help with the completion of its new facility at 384 Franklin Blvd. along with the development of a new welcoming hub.
For the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, the money will support food procurement, storage, processing, and distribution across the assistance network.
