Cost of food increases, need for assistance remains the same

A report going before the Regional Community Services Committee shows that the cost of food for the average family in the Waterloo Region has gone up by 5.05 per cent from last year, which is the equivalent of an additional $40 per month.

The information comes from the Nutritious Food Basket Report, which showed the average cost for a reference family of four was $194.63 per week in 2015- which is an increase of approximately five times the rate of inflation since last year.

The report also shows that despite this being a prosperous community, 1 in 20 households have access food from the the food assistance network in 2014.

Wendi Campbell with The Food Bank of Waterloo Region says that regardless of whether the price of food has increased, the amount of people in need of assistance is always relatively high.

“1 in 20 households have been accessing the food bank since 2008, it’s been a relatively consistent issue in the Waterloo Region and you’d be surprised at the range of families and people who are struggling.”

Campbell said that this is a good time to shed awareness on hunger issues as fall food drives kick-off and the holiday season gets closer.

“This Fall we’ll be putting on a number of events, including our Thanksgiving Food Drive and events over the Oktoberfest weekend. Our goal is to raise enough food & funds to provide 435,000 meals!”

Campbell added that for every dollar the food bank raises, they can provide someone in need with three whole meals.

You can find a list of upcoming events below and more information about the food bank by clicking here.

September 23-October 20
Donation Photo Contest Launching Fire to Food Bank 365

Post a photo of your donation at any Waterloo Fire Hall and tweet it to @FiretoFoodBank & @FoodBankWatReg to enter. Winner receives dinner for 5 with Richard Hepditch & Wendi Campbell at the Daily Grill.


October 12, 2 p.m
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Kitchener Rangers Food Bank Game Day
Bring your food and fund donations to the game and cheer on our Rangers!
October 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kitchener Council’s Grillefest
Council will be serving Oktoberfest sausages, cookies and a drink for a recommended donation of $5.00 at Kitchener City Hall Carl Zehr Square. All proceeds to The Food Bank. Each $5 provides food for 15 meals!
October 10, 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Oktoberfest Family Breakfast
Rogers Kitchener Radio Group and Conestoga College Culinary Program provide free breakfast at Bingeman’s Kool Haus Tent. Donations of food and funds accepted for The Food Bank.


October 12, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Onkel Hans Food Drive
Volunteers will be collecting donations of non-perishable food and cash for The Food Bank along the Oktoberfest parade route. Thanks to K-W Oktoberfest, Sobeys and Martins Family Fruit Farm for their support!

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