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Balsillie Family Foundation invests an additional $4.5 million to strengthen food assistance, community food infrastructure across Waterloo-Wellington

Waterloo-Wellington, Ont., September 22, 2026 – The Balsillie Family Foundation is investing an additional $4.5 million in four food banks serving Waterloo-Wellington, providing long-term support at a time when food insecurity is reaching record levels across the region.

The investment will strengthen the capacity of the Cambridge Food Bank, Centre Wellington Food Bank, Guelph Food Bank, and The Food Bank of Waterloo Region to respond to growing demand while building the infrastructure and community partnerships needed to improve access to nutritious food for years to come.

The announcement comes as food banks across Ontario continue to experience unprecedented demand. In Waterloo-Wellington alone, food bank use has more than tripled since 2019, with more than 82,000 adults and children experiencing food insecurity. Similar trends are being seen across the province as rising housing costs, inflation, and stagnant incomes leave more households struggling to afford basic necessities.

Today’s investment builds on the Balsillie Family Foundation’s longstanding commitment to supporting community well-being and increasing access to nutritious food. Combined with previous contributions to food assistance and community food initiatives across the region, the Foundation has now invested more than $6 million in efforts to strengthen food security and community resilience throughout Waterloo-Wellington.

In addition to supporting immediate needs and long-term capacity building, the investment will help launch a range of local initiatives and future campaigns tailored to the unique needs of each community.

  • Cambridge Food Bank will support the completion of its new facility and the development of a welcoming community hub focused on food, connection, and well-being.
  • Centre Wellington Food Bank, located in Fergus, will launch and expand the Well Fed Wellington initiative, creating new pathways to nutritious food throughout Wellington County.
  • Guelph Food Bank will expand initiatives that increase access to healthy food, rescue and process local food, and create opportunities for learning and community participation.
  • The Food Bank of Waterloo Region will invest in food procurement, storage, processing, and distribution infrastructure to strengthen the regional food assistance network.

Additional details about individual projects and campaigns will be shared by each organization in the coming weeks and months.

Quick facts

  • $4.5 million investment from the Balsillie Family Foundation will support the Cambridge Food Bank, Centre Wellington Food Bank, Guelph Food Bank, and The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.
  • Food bank use in Waterloo-Wellington has more than tripled since 2019.
  • More than 82,000 adults and children are accessing food support across Waterloo-Wellington.
  • More than 29,000 children are accessing food assistance across Waterloo-Wellington communities served by the four food banks.
  • Across Ontario, more than 1 million people accessed a food bank in 2024-25, the highest level ever recorded.
  • Food banks in Ontario recorded 7 million visits in 2024–25, a 165% increase since 2019-20.

Quotes

“Food insecurity is affecting growing numbers of people across Waterloo-Wellington and across Ontario. This investment recognizes both the urgency of the need and the importance of building strong community infrastructure that can help people access healthy food with dignity. The leadership and innovation demonstrated by these organizations gives me tremendous confidence in what is possible.” | Jim Balsillie, Balsillie Family Foundation

“Food may bring someone through our doors, but it’s only the beginning of what’s possible. This investment will help us create a community hub where people can access healthy food with dignity, build connections, learn and find new opportunities. We’re incredibly grateful for this investment and the lasting impact it will have on the people and families we serve in Cambridge and North Dumfries.” | Dianne McLeod, CEO, Cambridge Food Bank

“This investment will help us launch Well Fed Wellington, a new initiative designed to create more equitable access to healthy food throughout Wellington County. It gives us the opportunity to strengthen local partnerships, expand community-based food access, and ensure people can access nutritious food in ways that are affordable, accessible, and dignified.” | Curt McQueen, Executive Director, Centre Wellington Food Bank

“For almost 40 years, the Guelph Food Bank has adapted as the needs of our community have changed. Today, we are facing another one of those moments. Demand has grown dramatically but so has the opportunity to rethink how we respond. This transformational donation will allow us to invest in the infrastructure we need to feed people today and tomorrow, while strengthening community connections, building practical skills and creating a more resilient community.” | Cameron Spence, Operations Director, Guelph Food Bank

“What makes this investment especially meaningful is that it allows us to think beyond immediate need and plan for the future. The funding will help strengthen the infrastructure that supports food assistance throughout Waterloo region, giving us the stability to make strategic investments that improve access to nutritious food and support our community for years to come.” | Kim Wilhelm, CEO, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region

“Across our network, we see food banks responding to record levels of need while adapting to the increasingly complex challenges facing people and families in communities across Ontario. Investments like this strengthen local food banks, giving them the space, infrastructure, and resources they need to respond to immediate needs while building capacity for the future. This extraordinary gift will make a lasting difference for people and families in these four communities and help move us toward a future where fewer people need to rely on food banks.” | Carolyn Stewart, CEO, Feed Ontario

Media assets

About The Balsillie Family Foundation

Balsillie Family Foundation is a Canadian private foundation dedicated to supporting charitable initiatives that advance community well-being, education, research, and social impact. Through strategic philanthropy, the Foundation partners with organizations across Canada to help address important social challenges and create lasting public benefit.

About the participating organizations

Together, the Cambridge Food Bank, Centre Wellington Food Bank, Guelph Food Bank, and The Food Bank of Waterloo Region support more than 82,000 adults and children facing food insecurity across Waterloo-Wellington. As demand for food assistance continues to reach record levels, the four organizations work collaboratively to ensure neighbours have access to the food and support they need, while building long-term solutions that strengthen the health and well-being of our communities.

Media contacts

Cambridge Food Bank
Dianne McLeod, CEO
dmcleod@thefoodbank.ca

Centre Wellington Food Bank
Curt McQueen, Executive Director
info@cwfoodbank.org

Guelph Food Bank
Cameron Spence, Director of Operations
operations@guelphfoodbank.ca

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region
Michelle Rickard
Manager, Marketing and Communications
media@thefoodbank.ca

Feeding the Future: Together: A New Chapter for Cambridge Food Bank

On Friday, October 30, the Cambridge Food Bank will officially launch the public phase of our $12 million Feeding the Future capital campaign at Feeding the Future: Together at Tapestry Hall.

It will be an evening to bring our community together, celebrate how far we’ve come and look ahead to what’s next.

For more than 40 years, the Cambridge Food Bank has been here to help people access good food with dignity. But as the need for food support continues to grow, we know we need to grow too.

That’s why we’re building a new home at 384 Franklin Boulevard.

A new home for a growing community

Our new facility will give us the space and resources we need to better serve Cambridge and North Dumfries today and into the future.

The new building will bring many parts of our work together under one roof, including space for food distribution, community programs, food literacy and more. It will also include a greenhouse and gardens, creating new opportunities to connect people with fresh food and learn about growing and preparing food.

This isn’t simply a new building. It’s an investment in the future of our community.

Coming together to Feed the Future

Feeding the Future: Together will mark an important milestone in making that future possible.

Guests will enjoy food stations, a wine raffle and silent auction, along with a special keynote from Bob Egan, formerly of The Blue Rodeo. The evening will also give community members, businesses and supporters an opportunity to learn more about the vision behind our new home and how they can be part of it.

We’re especially excited to bring Cambridge businesses together for this event. Building a stronger food system takes all of us, and local businesses have an important role to play in helping create a future where everyone in our community can access the food they need.

Tickets are now available. Purchase your tickets today and join us for an evening of great food, connection and community as we look ahead to the future of food support in Cambridge and North Dumfries.

Buy your tickets here

Help us Feed the Future

The public launch of the campaign is just the beginning.

Our goal is to raise $12 million to help make the new Cambridge Food Bank a reality. Every contribution brings us one step closer to creating a space that can support our community for generations to come.

Whether you choose to donate, become a campaign partner, attend an event or simply share our vision with others, there is a place for you in Feeding the Future.

Together, we can build more than a new food bank. We can build a stronger, more food-secure future for Cambridge and North Dumfries.

Learn more about Feeding the Future and how you can get involved here

Feeding community since 1985.

 

Hunger Action Month digital postcard

Ending hunger in our community starts with you

September is Hunger Action Month, a national campaign that raises awareness about hunger and inspires action to support people facing food insecurity.

As municipal elections approach, we have an opportunity to ensure local leaders hear directly from their communities. While many policies affecting food insecurity are set by the Ontario government, mayors and councillors can help raise these issues and advocate for change.

Share your experience, concerns, or ideas about food insecurity. We’ll pass your message on to newly elected mayors across Waterloo region to help build awareness and encourage action on the root causes of food insecurity.

4 ways to make a difference this Hunger Action Month

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? 

Behind the Numbers: A Mid-Year Look at Hunger in Cambridge & North Dumfries 

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 (17%) 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. 

From January to June 2026, the Cambridge Food Bank distributed 819,843 pounds of food in our community pantry to support individuals and families facing food insecurity. 

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. 

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. 

         

        We’re celebrating our 2025 Community Champions! 

        Our retail partners continue to play a critical role in fighting food insecurity, reducing food waste, and supporting families across Cambridge and North Dumfries. In 2025, these dedicated stores donated thousands of pounds of food, providing fresh, nutritious items to our community while keeping good food out of landfill. Together, our 2025 Community Champions contributed over 500,000 lbs of food to the Cambridge Food Bank. Each partner’s dedication shows the power of collaboration in building a stronger, food-secure, and environmentally conscious community. 

        COBS Bread – Cambridge North 

        Big appreciation for COBS Bread Cambridge North! Located at 561 Hespeler Road, this incredible team is a long-standing partner and a proud 2025 Community Champion. 

        Three times per week, they generously donate unsold bread and baked goods, providing a steady stream of fresh, high-quality items for the Community Pantry. Their consistency and reliability help ensure families have access to a wonderful variety of baked goods year-round. 

        Led by owner Terrell Thurston, the store also plays an important role in reducing food waste by redirecting baked goods back into the community  supporting both families and environmental sustainability. 

        In 2025 alone, they donated an outstanding 29,912 pounds of food, building on their impressive 2024 total of 29,257 pounds. What an incredible impact — and what a fantastic community partner!  

        Costco – Kitchener 

        Costco Kitchener is recognized as a major retail partner and 2025 Community Champion. Through daily donations of meal kits, meat, produce, and essential groceries, Costco plays a pivotal role in supporting families across Cambridge and North Dumfries. Staff from multiple departments collaborate to prepare food for pickup, ensuring efficiency and consistency. 

        These donations consist of surplus items prioritized for food rescue rather than disposal, reflecting Costco’s strong commitment to both sustainability and community well-being. In 2025, Costco donated an extraordinary 166,470 pounds of food, nearly a 40 percent increase over their 2024 total of 120,623 pounds. 

        Food Basics – Hespeler 

        Food Basics Hespeler, located at 100 Jamieson Parkway, is a valued 2025 Community Champion. Through weekly donations of meat, baked goods, and non-perishable items, including customer contributions and backdoor donations, the team consistently ensures food reaches families in need. 

        Their staff provide smooth and friendly pickups, making the partnership seamless and effective. In 2025, Food Basics Hespeler donated 38,014 pounds of food, a 22 percent increase over their 2024 total of 31,277 pounds, demonstrating the growing impact of this partnership. 

        Foodland – Ayr 

        Foodland Ayr is a committed retail partner and 2025 Community Champion. The store contributes weekly donations of bread, produce, meat, and pantry items. These donations are consistently well-sorted and packaged, reducing warehouse sorting time and allowing food to reach families efficiently. 

        In 2024, Foodland Ayr donated 33,664 pounds of food. Their ongoing commitment to food rescue and sustainability continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local families. 

        Zehrs – Hespeler 

        Zehrs Hespeler is recognized as a retail partner and 2025 Community Champion for their significant contributions to food security and community well-being. Weekly donations include meat, produce, baked goods, and non-perishable items, including customer donations collected at the front of the store. 

        The team also actively supports community events such as Stuff a Van initiatives and community BBQs, reflecting leadership beyond their in-store donations. In 2025, Zehrs Hespeler donated 62,360 pounds of food, a 12 percent increase over their 2024 total of 55,988 pounds. 

        Ross & Lindsay’s No Frills 

        Ross & Lindsay’s No Frills, located on Franklin Boulevard and owned by Ross and Lindsay Ware, i2025 Community Champion. Despite a store ownership transition, their team maintained a consistent donation schedule, contributing produce, bread, meat, dairy, and pantry staples. 

        In 2025, the store donated 55,550 pounds of food, a remarkable 102 percent increase over their 2024 total of 25,043 pounds. Their dedication to food waste reduction and hunger relief has made a measurable difference for local families. 

        Zehrs – Cambridge Centre 

        Zehrs Cambridge Centre is a long-standing retail partner and 2025 Community Champion. In addition to regular donations of non-perishable items, meat, produce, and baked goods, the store supports community initiatives such as Stuff a Van events. Staff prepare carefully packed donation bags for customers to purchase at the storefront, helping rescue food that would otherwise be discarded. 

        In 2025, Zehrs Cambridge Centre donated 53,468 pounds of food, continuing their longstanding support for both food security and sustainability. 

        Sobeys – Westgate Cambridge 

        Sobeys Westgate Cambridge is a dedicated retail partner and 2025 Community Champion, led by Store Manager Doug Ermel and Assistant Store Manager Karen Baillie. The team provides regular donations of meat, produce, baked goods, and non-perishable items, focusing on fresh, nutritious food. 

        In 2025, Sobeys Westgate Cambridge donated 25,600 pounds of food, a 52 percent increase over their 2024 total of 22,665 pounds. Their consistent support plays a vital role in food security across Cambridge and North Dumfries. 

        Walmart 

        Walmart is recognized as a 2025 Community Champion for their dedication to hunger relief and sustainability. Weekly donations of a wide variety of food help divert good food from landfill while providing critical support to local families. 

        In 2025, Walmart donated 58,800 pounds of food, an impressive 314 percent increase over their 2024 total of 15,435 pounds. Their reliability and high-volume contributions make them an essential partner in our food rescue efforts. 

        Zehrs – South Cambridge 

        Zehrs South Cambridge is a valued retail partner and 2025 Community Champion. The team donates surplus food weekly, supporting families facing food insecurity while prioritizing food rescue and waste reduction. 

        In 2025, Zehrs South Cambridge donated 17,474 pounds of food. Their long-term partnership continues to play a vital role in building a stronger, food-secure community. 

        We extend our deepest gratitude to all of our 2025 Community Champions. Their dedication and consistent support demonstrate how retail partners can make a lasting impact on the community and the environment.