Food Insecurity
Everyone deserves access to healthy, fresh, and culturally appropriate food, yet food insecurity affects individuals and families in our community everyday. Expanding access to nutritious food and building food-related skills are essential steps in breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a stronger, healthier community.
United Way Focuses On
- Distribution of food products and hampers
- Hot meals
- Access to fresh and culturally appropriate food
- Programs that teach food-related skills such as cooking
The Issues – what we know
- In 2025, more than 37K requests for food supports were identified during contacts with the 211 service, with more individuals being unable to get their needs for food supports met than in 2024.
- 78% of food-insecure households are above the poverty line, demonstrating that food insecurity increasingly affects working individuals and families.
- 23% of households in Waterloo Region experience food insecurity.
Your Impact
These numbers reflect the 2025 reporting period.
$231,000
Dollars Invested
125,642
People Helped
7
Funded Partners / Programs
Our Response
United Way Waterloo Region works with local partners to expand access to nutritious meals, support community food programs, and strengthen the networks that help families and individuals when times are tough. By focusing on both immediate relief and long-term solutions, we’re helping build a community where everyone has the nourishment they need to thrive.
Funded Partners
