Our Mission
Food4Kids Waterloo Region provides healthy food packages for children ages 1-14 from food insecure homes during weekdays, weekends and school breaks.
We’re keeping children nourished and ready to grow, whether they’re at school or at home.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
How Do We Help?
Our range of programs ensures children have access to food, whether they’re at school or home for the weekend or holidays.
How Can You Help?
It takes a village to make a difference. You can help by volunteering at Food4Kids Waterloo Region for tasks ranging from administration to food delivery. Let’s help kids in need, today!
How Can You Donate?
There is a growing number of kids in our community without regular access to food. Through your donations, we can increase the number of kids we serve.
Child Hunger is a Silent Issue.
In Waterloo Region, nearly 10% of households struggle with food insecurity.
That means nearly 4,000 children are without the nourishment they need to thrive mentally, physically and socially. Consistent hunger, even just over weekends, can set a child back for life. Behind these numbers are families with financial constraints, illness and other challenges. It is not a choice, but a series of circumstances.
School nutrition programs help, but are limited to the week, letting hunger slip into weekends and holidays.
That’s where Food4Kids Waterloo Region steps in.
Need Support?
Please email our Educational Program Manager: cali@food4kidswr.ca
Effects of Chronic Hunger
Consistent hunger, even if just for a weekend, can set children back for life.
The risks of hunger include:
- Greater risk of exploitation in pursuit of food.
- More likely to have poorer health or a diagnosed chronic condition.
- Higher rates of behavioural problems and psychosocial deficits.
- More likely to be overweight or underweight due to unpredictable food.
- Greater risk of depression and suicidal ideation in adolescence years.
Indicators:
- Arriving at school hungry and without food.
- Issues with frequent headaches, repeated illness and stomach aches.
- Eating food quickly or in unusually large portions.
- Inconsistent energy levels, moodiness and irritability.
- Inability to focus in school and poor academic performance.
Let’s stop the hunger!
