Over 40,000 individuals in the region are served by the Community Food Network, according to the Community Impact Report released by the Food Bank of Waterloo Region.
The report highlights food bank usage from July 2021 to June 2022.
The results show an increase in usage compared to the 1 in 20 families who were using the food bank the year before.
Kim Wilhelm, Interim CEO of the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, stressed that the increased costs driving people to use the food bank program need to be addressed.
"People are getting by on really limited funds," said Wilhelm. "Much of it goes to housing and other essentials, not leaving much for food and some other day-to-day things."
Wilhelm added that it is important to share these reports with the public to show how community dollars are being spent.
The Community Impact Report released by the regional food bank states that over 1800 meals are being distributed daily.
The data also shows that 60 per cent of those being helped are single people living alone.
The full Community Impact Report can be viewed here
Our Community Impact report is here! The 2021–2022 report shows how the community's generosity helped 40,530 people in #WaterlooRegion put nutritious food on their table last year. Thank you to all who support us as we work together to #FeedWR. Read now https://t.co/Zt6r11VyQW pic.twitter.com/tdk3RVw7DS
— The Food Bank of Waterloo Region (@FoodBankWatReg) November 25, 2022
