WATERLOO/WELLINGTON – The Centre Wellington Food Bank is receiving a share of a $4.5-million investment from the Balsillie Family Foundation aimed at addressing rising food insecurity across Waterloo-Wellington.
The funding will support the launch and expansion of Well Fed Wellington, a new initiative designed to create more pathways to nutritious food throughout Wellington County.
The investment comes as food bank use across Waterloo-Wellington has more than tripled since 2019, with more than 82,000 adults and children experiencing food insecurity.
Centre Wellington Food Bank Executive Director Curt McQueen says the funding will help expand partnerships and improve access to healthy food.
“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.”
The Centre Wellington Food Bank is one of four food banks receiving funding, alongside the Cambridge Food Bank, Guelph Food Bank and The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.
The Balsillie Family Foundation says the investment is intended to provide both immediate support and long-term capacity to respond to growing demand.
Jim Balsillie says the need for food assistance continues to grow across the region and province.
“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.”
The latest funding brings the Balsillie Family Foundation’s total investment in food security and community resilience efforts across Waterloo-Wellington to more than $6 million.
