A new initiative by the Centre Wellington Food Bank

Well Fed Wellington

We're transforming the way people access food in Wellington County. Food is just the beginning.

Well fed. Well connected. Wellbeing. Wellington County.

  • 1 in 4 households in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph experienced food insecurity in 2024
  • 1 in 5 of those households ever access a food bank
  • $1,366 a month to feed a family of four a nutritious diet

The Problem

Too many people across Wellington County are struggling to afford enough nutritious food, and rural geography can make that struggle even harder.

Where someone lives can determine the affordability, availability and accessibility of food, yet no single level of government or organization is responsible for coordinating community food access. That leaves an inequitable system with too few options between conventional grocery stores and emergency food support.

This isn't a small or marginal issue
  • Approximately 1 in 4 households in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph experienced food insecurity in 2024.
  • The average monthly cost of food for a family of four is approximately $1,366.
Food bank numbers show us the pressure, but not the full size of the problem
  • Only about 1 in 5 households experiencing food insecurity access a food bank.
  • The vast majority of people struggling with food insecurity may never walk through our doors.
Where you live affects the choices available to you
  • In rural communities there are fewer affordable grocers, longer distances to travel and limited transportation options.
  • This can leave people with very few places to turn when their grocery budget isn't enough.
Community food access has developed as a patchwork, not a system
  • There is no single organization or level of government responsible for ensuring every community has a range of affordable and accessible food options.
  • What exists often depends on local capacity, resources, organizations and volunteers, and can look very different from one community to the next.
The consequences extend far beyond an empty fridge
  • Food insecurity is associated with poorer physical and mental health and greater health care needs.
  • Financial hardship can also limit transportation, recreation and participation in community life, compounding isolation and making it harder for people to stay connected and well.

The Opportunity

We may not be able to control the economic conditions putting pressure on household budgets, but we can build a community that responds differently when someone's income isn't enough.

Our Transformational Vision

We see a Wellington County where everyone can access good food close to home, even when money is tight. People have choices, places to turn before crisis, and opportunities to connect and belong. A coordinated community food system helps make that possible, ensuring access is not left to chance or dependent on where someone lives.

Where you live will no longer determine your access to good food. Affordable and nutritious food is available in more communities, closer to home.
More places to turn before crisis. People have choices and dignified options, while emergency food remains a strong safety net when needed.
Limited household dollars can go further. More affordable options help people stretch their grocery budgets and preserve more of their income for housing, transportation and other basic needs.
Food creates connection and belonging. Food becomes a way for people to gather, participate, build relationships and connect with their communities.
Communities and organizations accomplish more together. Food banks, organizations, community spaces and resources are connected and coordinated so food, funding, infrastructure and expertise have greater collective impact.

What is Well Fed Wellington

Well Fed Wellington will build a connected, county wide network of affordable, nutritious and dignified food access that supports wellbeing and connection closer to home.

By connecting and strengthening the community spaces, organizations, food programs and resources already in place, while introducing new food access opportunities where gaps exist, Well Fed Wellington will provide the coordination needed to create a more connected system around the needs and choices of people.

Why Now

A transformational gift gave us the opportunity to build on our strong roots and grow a county wide network of food access. One family's vision helped start it. A community will build it.

The Centre Wellington Food Bank brings years of experience in both emergency food support and collaborative community work. As an accredited member of Feed Ontario and Food Banks Canada, we have invested in building dignified, responsive food services that meet people where they are.

For several years, we have also helped bring together food banks, social service organizations, outreach providers and grassroots food programs across Wellington County to build relationships, share resources, identify gaps and work through common challenges. That experience has taught us something important: lasting systems are built on trust, and trust comes before action.

What's Next

Well Fed Wellington is quietly taking shape. Over the coming months we'll be working with community partners across Wellington County to build the foundation for a connected and sustainable approach to food access.

  • Building partnerships
  • Identifying communities and locations
  • Developing new food access pathways
  • Putting systems and sources in place

Our first new food access pathways begin rolling out in 2027.

Stay connected to what's coming

We're glad you're here. As Well Fed Wellington takes shape, we'll share meaningful updates, opportunities to get involved and ways to support the work as they emerge. We won't fill your inbox, just keep you connected to where we're headed and how you can be part of it.

Sign up for updates