Spring food drives aim to address 'unprecedented need' for help in Waterloo region

As the cost of living rises, more people are finding it harder to put food on the table.

People who were struggling to make ends meet three years ago have found the problem exacerbated by the pandemic, says Kim Wilhelm, Vice-president of philanthropy and partnership at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

In Waterloo region, about 10 per cent of households are food insecure, according to the food bank. Last year, more than 34,600 people in the region had to rely on the Community Food Assistance Network in order to help feed themselves and their families.

"We've had high housing costs, pandemic job losses and the rising cost of food," Wilhelm said. "This volatile combination has resulted in unprecedented need for food assistance throughout the community."

It's why this year's spring food drive is critical for the food bank. The event will run until Easter weekend and will see local grocery stores collect food and some will take financial donations.

Food drive for Ramadan

The Coalition of Muslim Women of K-W has launched their annual Give30 food drive to help raise awareness around food insecurity in the region. 

Uzma Bhutto says Ramadan is the perfect time to launch Give30.

"We do this during Ramadan because it is a month of compassion, kindness, generosity, and giving," she said. 

Give30 is based on the principle that if a person can give up something, like a daily coffee, for a month, the money saved can go toward feeding those in need, Bhutto said.

She said the coalition often helps people access food or gift cards to grocery stores, either for people new to the area, families that are struggling or people who have lost their jobs.

"We are asking everyone to save some small amount. I know the food bank always talks about this, that $30 in a month is going to help 90 people with 90 days meals," she said.

What to donate

Wilhelm said the food bank is in need of healthy, non-perishable items. If there's a question of what types of food to donate, she said people should think about what they like to eat.

She encourages people to purchase things that are healthy, high in protein and "things you would be willing to put on the table yourself" – such as canned goods, peanut butter, pasta, rice and shelf stable milk products.