More neighbours are turning to the Cambridge Food Bank for support, and food insecurity is affecting more people in our community than ever before.
During the first six months of 2026, the Cambridge Food Bank supported 3,572 households, representing 8,574 individuals across Cambridge and North Dumfries. Among those supported were 2,852 children and youth, accounting for 33% of all individuals served, as well as 1,455 older adults aged 55+ who relied on our services to access nutritious and reliable food support.
During this same period, we distributed 12,054 food hampers to neighbours experiencing food insecurity. Of the households served, 574 (16%) were accessing our services for the first time, highlighting the growing number of individuals and families facing financial and food-related challenges.
Behind every number is a person, a family, or a neighbour making difficult decisions about how to afford the essentials.
Food insecurity is affecting working households too
One of the most important things our data tells us is that food insecurity does not only affect those without employment. In the first half of 2026, 23% households accessing emergency food support reported employment as their primary source of income. Increasingly, having a job does not always mean having enough to cover rising costs. With the price of housing, groceries, and everyday necessities continuing to increase, many working individuals and families are finding themselves needing support. Food insecurity can happen to anyone — including people who are doing everything they can to make ends meet.
Housing costs continue to put pressure on families
For many households, the cost of housing is one of the biggest barriers to food security. 76% of households we supported live in private rental housing, showing how closely housing affordability and food insecurity are connected. When more of a household’s income goes toward rent, there is less available for groceries, transportation, healthcare, and other essential needs. Across Ontario and Canada, renters continue to experience some of the highest levels of food insecurity, and our community is seeing the impact locally.
Responding to a growing need
The Cambridge Food Bank is committed to meeting people where they are and providing support that helps neighbours access healthy, nutritious food.
Alongside our emergency food hamper program, we continue to expand access to fresh and affordable food through initiatives like our Mobile Food Market, which brings fresh, locally grown produce to the community through convenient market locations.
Since launching, the Mobile Food Market has provided more than 100,000 baskets of affordable produce to neighbours across our community.
From January to June 2026, the Cambridge Food Bank distributed 717,386 pounds of food to support individuals and families facing food insecurity.
Why community support matters
The growing need for food support is a reminder that food insecurity is not an individual challenge — it is a community issue.
Every hamper provided, every basket purchased through the Mobile Food Market, and every donation received helps create stability for a neighbour who may be facing difficult choices.
Your support helps ensure that:
- families have access to nutritious food;
- children and youth can grow and thrive;
- Older adults feel supported in the community;
- neighbours do not have to face food insecurity alone.
Thank you to everyone who has donated, volunteered, and supported the Cambridge Food Bank this year. Together, we are continuing to build a stronger, more food-secure community.
Want to help support neighbours in need? Donate, volunteer, or learn more about how you can get involved with the Cambridge Food Bank today.