September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide campaign that raises awareness about hunger in our communities and inspires action to address food insecurity. Together with food banks across Canada, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region and Cambridge Food Bank are using this month to shine a light on the growing need for food assistance and advocate for solutions to poverty, the root cause of hunger. 

Last year, food hamper programs across Waterloo region recorded nearly 622,000 visits, the highest number ever reported and a 205 per cent increase since 2019. As more individuals and families struggle to make ends meet, there has never been a more important time to learn, speak up, and take action. Here are four ways you can make a difference this Hunger Action Month and help build a hunger-free future. 

Educate 

Food insecurity affects far more people in Waterloo region than many realize.  

• 1 in 9 households is experiencing food insecurity  
• Nearly 73,000 individuals are accessing food assistance programs  
• 26,000+ children live in food-insecure households 

Emergency food programs through the Community Food Assistance Network provide critical short-term support, but they can’t solve the root cause of food insecurity: poverty.  

Hunger isn’t the result of individual choices. It’s driven by incomes that don’t keep pace with the cost of living and support systems that leave too many people struggling to afford basic necessities. Addressing food insecurity requires more than food. It requires policies that strengthen income supports, expand access to affordable housing, and help ensure people can earn a living wage. 

That’s why Feed Ontario and Food Banks Canada advocate for policy solutions that tackle poverty and reduce food insecurity. The Food Bank of Waterloo Region and Cambridge Food Bank supports these recommendations as part of a long-term path toward a hunger-free future. 

Advocate 

As municipal elections approach, we have an opportunity to ensure local leaders hear directly from the communities they serve. Fill out a postcard sharing your experiences, concerns, or ideas about food insecurity. We’ll share completed postcards with newly elected mayors across Waterloo region to raise awareness of the root causes of food insecurity and encourage municipal leaders to advocate for solutions at municipal and provincial levels. 

Questions to ask municipal candidates 

While many policies that influence food insecurity are set by provincial and federal governments, mayors and councillors play an important role in advocating for change and addressing local challenges. With municipal elections taking place across Ontario on October 26, consider asking candidates: 

• Affordable housing remains out of reach for many residents. What specific actions will you take to increase access to affordable and supportive housing in our community? 
• Homelessness continues to rise across our community. What steps will you take to help prevent homelessness and support people in find stable housing? 
• Income security: Municipal governments cannot set wages, but they can advocate for change. How will you use your position to advocate for living wages and stronger income supports for residents struggling to make ends meet? 
• Provincial advocacy: Will you publicly advocate for increases to Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program rates? If so, how? 

You can also sign Feed Ontario’s Hunger Action Month petition, calling for the provincial government to take real action to reduce hunger and poverty. 

Donate: If you can afford to give, non-perishable food and financial donations are greatly appreciated. Drop off a non-perishable food item at your local grocery store or donate online. Every dollar donated can help provide two meals for someone facing hunger. 

Volunteer: If you have time to spare, we’re always looking for volunteers to help onsite or at a community fundraising event in support of the Cambridge Food Bank. Visit our Volunteer page to learn more about our volunteer opportunities. 

Every action matters 

Creating a hunger-free future requires all of us. Whether you choose to learn more, speak up, donate, or volunteer, your actions help build a stronger community where everyone has access to the food they need. 

This Hunger Action Month, join us in raising awareness, inspiring action, and advocating for long-term solutions to food insecurity. Together, we can create lasting change. How will you make a difference?