Waterloo region doubles funding to foodbank amid surge in demand

The Foodbank of Waterloo Region will receive twice as much funding for 2024 by the regional council amid a surge in demand. They have been awarded an annual grant of $1.5 million, up from $744,000.  

"We are incredibly grateful to the region for the support they continue to provide the food bank and our network agency partners over the years," said Kim Wilhelm, the interim CEO of the foodbank, in an email statement. 

"This increase will enable us to continue on our mission to ensure no one in our community goes hungry."

According to the foodbank, demand for their services have gone up by 136 per cent since 2018 with over 7,500 new people using foodbank services for the first time during the last 12 months. 

Foodbank CEO talks about the increase in demand in the region during CBC's Sounds of the Season

12 months ago

Duration 1:22

Kim Wilhelm, interim CEO of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region discusses the increase in demand with CBC's Craig Norris during the live Sounds of the Season show at the Museum in downtown Kitchener.

"Everyone in our community deserves to have food on their tables," Wilhelm said. "As community need continues to rise, an increase in our funding from our local leaders could not have come at a more pivotal time." 

"With this funding, we have an opportunity for our services to reach more households in our community, and meaningfully impact our residents, reducing food insecurity across Waterloo region."

The increase in funding got unanimous support by regional council.