# Canadian food insecurity and waste mitigation initiatives

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/canadian-food-insecurity-and-waste-mitigation-initiatives
> Updated: 2026-10-02T21:43:58.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Nonprofit organizations in Canada are implementing new initiatives to address food insecurity and waste.

In the Waterloo Region, the Food Bank of Waterloo Region is expanding its After-Hours Food Locker program. Supported by a $148,200 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the program adds four new locations—including the Breithaupt Centre and the Kitchener Public Library’s Forest Heights location—to provide refrigerated access to food hampers during evenings and weekends.

In Toronto, the nonprofit Second Harvest has opened a processing facility in Etobicoke. This social enterprise facility works with local farmers to provide prepared fruits and vegetables to approximately 28,000 students across more than 440 schools. The initiative aims to reduce food waste and support student-nutrition programs by making nutritious foods more accessible.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-02: Second Harvest opens Toronto processing facility to combat food waste

Second Harvest is opening a food-processing facility in Toronto to reduce waste and provide prepared vegetables to 28,000 students through a partnership with the Toronto Foundation for Student Success.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/second-harvest-opens-toronto-processing-facility-to-combat-food-waste

### 2026-09-03: The Food Bank of Waterloo Region expands after-hours locker program

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region is adding four new after-hours food locker locations, funded by a $148,200 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to improve emergency food access.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/the-food-bank-of-waterloo-region-expands-after-hours-locker-program

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Cite as: Canadian food insecurity and waste mitigation initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/canadian-food-insecurity-and-waste-mitigation-initiatives