2025-2026 United Way WRC_Annual Report - Flipbook - Page 22
Food Insecurity
Access to nutritious food is a fundamental
building block for health, learning, dignity, and
community well-being.
Rising costs are making it harder for individuals and
families to afford the food they need. Food insecurity can
affect anyone, from children and youth to working families,
seniors, and people facing unexpected financial hardship.
Increasing access to healthy, fresh, and culturally
appropriate food, while building food-related skills, is an
important step toward breaking the cycle of poverty and
strengthening our community.
The Focus
125,642
Distribution of food products
and hampers
Hot meals
Access to fresh and culturally
appropriate food
Programs that teach foodrelated skills such as cooking
individuals accessed food
insecurity programs and
supports.
$231,000
was invested in food
insecurity programs and
supports.
The Issues
78%
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.
23%
of food-insecure
households are above
the poverty line,
demonstrating that food
insecurity increasingly
affects working
individuals and families.
of households in
Waterloo Region
experience food
insecurity.
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