By Rachel Fioret, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Woolwich Observer
One in eight households in the region is struggling to put food on the table, up significantly from just a year earlier, says a new report from The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.
The 2024 Community Impact study released this week notes affordability problems grew by 25 per cent compared to the one in ten households experiencing issues just a year ago. Two years earlier, that number was one in 14.
The rapid rise of food insecurity is a growing challenge faced by many in the community, says Kim Wilhelm, CEO of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.
“Our first priority is to ensure that those who are in need of food assistance get the help they need.”
The number of adults and children who accessed food assistance this year (73,615) increased 25 percent compared to last year (58,688).
The number of new households accessing food support for the first time (8,469) increased by 12 percent compared to the previous year (7,549).
“These increases are outrageous,” said Wilhelm.
An uptick in visits to food hamper programs also reflects the increased need for food.
The 450,387 visits in the previous year increased by 24 percent to 558,545 this year.
There was also a noticeable increase of 17 percent in the number of people who accessed programs eight times or more.
“It’s clear something needs to change,” said Wilhelm of the situation.
The high cost of living has been attributed to the increased demand for food support.
“There’s no single reason why someone may need food assistance,” Wilhelm said.
She shared stories where people in the region have an unexpected job loss, an illness in the family, or seniors on a fixed income who cannot afford living expenses.
Food inflation and the growing affordability crisis in housing are key contributors to the growing problem.
Wilhelm noted that people are being faced with the decision to pay for transportation to get to work or to feed themselves.
“Food is a basic human right,” she said. “Those are choices that no one should have to make.”
Government support is required for long-term change, she argued.
“To address the root of the food insecurity we need meaningful engagement and action from all levels of government. We need to ensure strong public policies on social assistance, living wages and affordable housing happen to improve the incomes of those who are living in food insecure households,” said Wilhelm.
“Waterloo Region is special because the community continues to step forward when we need help. It’s because of the community that we’ve been able to continue to feed our neighbours.”
More information about the food bank’s programs can be found online at www.thefoodbank.ca. Those in need of food assistance can call 519-743-5576, ext. 340
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