Nearly one-fourth of households in the Niagara Region faced food insecurity in 2023 and 2024, marking a drastic 56% surge from the previous two years, as per the latest data from Public Health Ontario. Brock University’s political science expert, Joanne Heritz, predicts a continued rise in food insecurity levels in the region. Heritz, the author of a Niagara hunger report published in October 2025, highlighted the escalating reliance on food banks and meal programs in the area, particularly through Feed Niagara, the local food bank network.
According to Heritz, the increasing trend in food insecurity is driven by the financial strain faced by individuals struggling to balance housing and nutritional needs due to rising housing costs and living expenses, coupled with a spike in food prices. The demand for meal programs from community organizations and churches has also intensified as a result.
Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold reported a significant increase in their food security initiatives, supporting over 275,000 individuals in 2024 and 2025, a record high for the organization. CEO Betty-Lou Souter emphasized that the organization’s efforts have benefited a diverse range of individuals, including homeless individuals availing take-out meals and seniors receiving monthly food deliveries. Notably, children under 17 represented a substantial portion of the clients served in 2025, with a noticeable shift during holiday campaigns where kids requested food over traditional gifts.
In response to the escalating need for food assistance, a local business in Welland has taken a proactive approach to address food insecurity. Cooks Who Feed, a family-owned enterprise, has contributed over two million meals by donating 100 meals through Second Harvest in Canada and No Kid Hungry in the U.S. for every apron sold. Founder Seema Sanghavi, drawing from personal experiences of food insecurity during her upbringing, aims to create sustainable solutions to reduce reliance on food banks through such initiatives. Sanghavi’s brand has gained traction in the culinary world, collaborating with renowned chefs and influencers to promote socially responsible practices in the kitchen linen industry.