Children face growing hunger outside school in Waterloo Region

School food programs are a lifeline for many children in Waterloo Region, but what happens when class is not in session? CTV’s Spencer Turcotte reports.

Children across Waterloo Region are increasingly going hungry when they are not in school as rising grocery costs and financial pressures push more families to look for help from food programs.

Food4Kids Waterloo Region said it now provides weekly food packages to about 1,500 children living in food insecure homes, helping to bridge the gap on weekends, holidays and during summer break.

“Children have some access to food when they’re at school, but what happens if those same children are living in food insecure homes?” said Carrie Gusé, community engagement co-ordinator with Food4Kids Waterloo Region. “What happens when they go home? That’s where we step in.”

The organization supports children between the ages of one and 14 through partnerships with 132 schools across Waterloo Region. During the summer months, volunteers deliver food boxes directly to homes.

Gusé said the need continues to grow.

“Here’s the thing, there’s 317 children on our waitlist,” she said.

According to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, food insecurity remains at historic levels locally, with nearly 73,000 people relying on food assistance programs, including 26,000 children.

Summer can place even more pressure on struggling families as children spend more time at home and grocery bills continue to rise.

Food4Kids said higher food prices are also increasing operational costs.

“It’s $1,400 a year to feed one child in our program,” Gusé said. “Last year it was $1,200 to feed one child in our program.”

The organization does not receive government funding and instead relies on donations, grants, fundraising efforts and volunteers.

Despite the growing costs and demand, Food4Kids said it plans to expand its reach in the coming years.

“Our strategic plan is to feed 2,250 children by June of 2028,” Gusé said. “It’s a lofty goal, but we are pretty confident that with our incredible community around us, we’re going to meet that goal because children need to be fed.”

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region is also preparing to launch its “Full Bellies. Happy Hearts.” summer campaign on June 1, with a goal of raising 1.5 million meals by the end of August.