We Help
More Than A Food Bank
In addition to food security programs, we also deliver a range of supports and initiatives that create opportunities for individuals, children, and families. Our programs are designed to support improved health, relationships of trust, and connection with our environment.
Hunger in Cambridge & North Dumfries Region
People who go to food banks for help don’t all have the same story, and there are many different reasons why someone might need emergency food. It could be because they lost their job suddenly, don’t earn enough money, can’t afford the high cost of food, or don’t have affordable housing. Fixing the problem of not having enough food is complicated and the solution is complex.
1 in 8 households in Waterloo region are struggling to afford to put food on the table. Last year, the Community Food Assistance Network supported 58,000 individuals in need.
Thanks to you, our caring community, the Network can provide access and connection to food and other essential services and resources that help people move forward with their lives.
THE NEED: What we’re seeing..
Between January – September 2025:
- 997 households accessed the Cambridge Food Bank for the first time.
- 4,115 unique households accessed the Cambridge Food Bank.
- 9,451 unique individuals supported by the Cambridge Food Bank.
- 18,065 hampers distributed to participants.
Ages – Unique
- 3,088 children were between 0 and 18 years old.
- 567 seniors were aged 65 and older.
Housing
- 3,073 unique households lived in a private rental. This indicates 75% of households served live in rentals.
- 304 unique households lived in social housing.
- 156 unique households were homeowners.
- 216 unique households lived with family or friends.
- 204 unique households lived in an emergency shelter or are experiencing homelessness.
Income
- 1,236 unique households were receiving Ontario Works. This indicates 30% of all unique households served with income type shared are receiving OW.
- 912 unique households were receiving Ontario Disability Support Program payments. This indicates 22% of all unique households served with income type shared are receiving ODSP.
- 887 unique households were employed. This represents 23% of unique households served during this time.
- 132 unique households have no income source.
- 91 unique households were receiving an Old Age Pension.
- 240 unique households were receiving CPP payments.
- 150 unique households were receiving Employment Insurance payments.
"We believe that access to nutritious food is a basic and fundamental human right. "
From The Cambridge Food Bank Guiding Principles