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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.

Impact Top Left
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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 20 households in Waterloo region are struggling to afford to put food on the table.  Last year, the Community Food Assistance Network supported 34,620 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 – February 2024:

  • 318  households accessed the Cambridge Food Bank for the first time, a -30% decrease over the same period in 2023. This indicates 14% of unique households served are new visits.
  • 2,304 unique households accessed the Cambridge Food Bank, a 20% increase over the same period in 2023.
  • 5,536 unique individuals supported by the Cambridge Food Bank, a 34% increase over the same period in 2023.
  • 3,543 hampers distributed to participants, a 26% increase over the same period in 2023.

 Ages – Unique 

  • 1,931 children were between 0 and 18 years old, a 47% increase over the same period in 2023.
  • 307 seniors were aged 65 and older, a 36% increase over the same period in 2023.

Housing 

  • 1,769  unique households lived in a private rental, a 21% increase over the same period in 2023. This indicates 77% of households served live in rentals.
  • 198 unique households lived in social housing, a 21% increase over the same period in 2023.
  • 110 unique households were homeowners, a 55% increase over the same period in 2023.
  • 105 unique households lived with family or friends, a 42% increase over the same period in 2023.
  • 61 unique households lived in an emergency shelter or were homeless, an 20% increase over the same period in 2023.

Income 

  • 617 unique households were receiving Ontario Works, a 48% increase over the same period in 2023. This indicates 27% of all unique households served with income type shared are receiving OW.
  • 529 unique households were receiving Ontario Disability Support Program payments, a 21% increase over the same period in 2023. This indicates 23% of all unique households served with income type shared are receiving ODSP.
  • 522 unique households were employed, a 50% increase over the same period in 2023. This represents 23% of unique households served during this time.
  • 73 unique households have no income source, a -31% decrease over the same period in 2023.
  • 42 unique households were receiving an Old Age Pension, a 24% increase over the same period in 2022.
  • 124 unique households were receiving CPP payments, a 25% increase over the same period in 2023.
  • 77 unique households were receiving Employment Insurance payments, a 22% increase over the same period in 2023.

"We believe that access to nutritious food is a basic and fundamental human right. "

From The Cambridge Food Bank Guiding Principles

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Do you have questions? Call or visit us.

(519) 622-6550

54 Ainslie Street South Cambridge, ON Canada N1R 3K3

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Charitable Registration # 890658743 RR0001

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