In 2016, 1 in 20 households in the Waterloo region suffered from food insecurity – families had to seek help in order to meet their basic need for nourishment. 35% of individuals that accessed food banks were children and youth under the age of 18. These alarming statistics show that hunger and poverty are complex problems which require collaborative efforts to tackle. In its pledge to support the community, the Erb Group of Companies has been a partner with the Food Bank of Waterloo Region since 1993, providing food to families throughout the region. Since our first donation in the early 1990’s, Erb has donated 1,360,556 pounds of food, raised more than $13,000, and supplied 787,399 meals to local residents. In 2018 alone, more than 34,000 people received support thanks to Erb’s partnership with the food assistance network. “The Food Bank made it very easy for someone so young, with children of her own, to ask for help. There was no judgement. No shame. They treated me with respect, like a human being,” says Vittoria, a recipient at the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Knowing how well the organization supports those in need, Erb has committed to working alongside with the Food Bank to combat the food crisis that affects thousands of people within the area. “The Erb family has always focused on fostering our community and giving back to our neighbours,” says David Dietrich, Vice President of Human Resources at the Erb Group of Companies. “The Food Bank of Waterloo Region is one of the many causes that we support and we are pleased to continue to do so.” Not only does Erb donate money and food, the company also makes deliveries to the Food Bank for free. A commitment to creating a sustainable and healthy community, in any way possible, is something that Erb will never waver on.