Food & financial help

Life in a new country can come with financial pressures. If you need help with groceries, bills, or other essentials while you settle in, you’ll find programs for food assistance, financial support, and emergency support. Many programs are free, confidential, and open to all residents - including newcomers.

Food supports

If you need help accessing healthy food, you can receive free food and basic household items that usually last a few days. Food access is available at many locations across Waterloo Region, including:

This button opens the Cambridge Food Bank website in a new tab

This button opens the House of Friendship website in a new tab

Other Resources

The Community Food Assistance Network includes 54 organizations and 132 food assistance programs across Waterloo Region, supporting individuals experiencing food insecurity.
The Region’s Pocket Card Guide provides a list of food and housing resources such as shelter locations, meal drop-in services, and street outreach programs in the region.

Food support for International Students

International students in Waterloo Region can access food support through campus services rather than community food banks. These programs are designed specifically for students experiencing food insecurity.

Campus food support programs:

University of Waterloo - Food Support Service
Wilfrid Laurier University - Student Food Bank
Conestoga College - Student Nutritional Access Program

Contact your campus International Student Services or Student Wellness/Support Services to learn about eligibility and how to apply.

Financial help

If you need temporary financial support, local and government programs may help with basic costs such as rent, childcare, and transportation. A settlement worker can help you understand your eligibility and apply for support.

Some government programs require you to file Canadian taxes to be eligible.

Child Care Subsidy – This program helps pay for licensed child care, before or after school programs, and/or summer programs.
Ontario Works – Short-term financial assistance for people with limited income.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – Monthly payments to help families with the cost of raising children under 18.
GST/HST Credit – Quarterly payments to help offset sales taxes for people with low or moderate incomes.
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) – Financial assistance and employment support for people with disabilities who are in financial need.
Employment Insurance (EI) – Temporary income support for people who lose their job, are sick, on parental leave, or caring for a family member.
Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) – A refundable tax credit that provides financial support to low-income workers.
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) – Monthly payments that help with energy costs, property taxes, and sales tax for eligible residents.