Together, we feed our community
Supporting hunger relief across Waterloo region by connecting people with nutritious food, mobilizing community support, and offering simple ways to donate, volunteer, or access food assistance.
Our Impact
For more than 40 years, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region has been dedicated to ensuring everyone in our community has access to nourishing food. In the past year alone, we’ve distributed 9.6 million pounds of food—helping to ensure people have the food they need, when they need it most. And with the support of our generous community, we’ll keep working toward a future where no one goes hungry.
72,500+
People in Waterloo region rely on food support
199,000+
Food hampers delivered in the past year
1.1 million+
Community meals served to those in need
Vision
A Waterloo region where no one experiences hunger.
Mission
Through community collaboration, we obtain and distribute essential food from our neighbours for our neighbours.
Why donate today?
Every day, individuals and families across Waterloo region are making difficult choices between food, rent, utilities, transportation, and other essentials. Your donation helps The Food Bank of Waterloo Region provide fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food to the Community Food Assistance Network, supporting local organizations that serve neighbours facing hunger.
When you give, your support stays local. Every $1 helps provide two healthy meals, making even a small donation a meaningful way to fight hunger in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and the surrounding townships.
Where your donation goes?
01
Food purchasing
Helps fill gaps in inventory and provide high-demand items.
02
Food distribution
Supports delivery to local food assistance programs.
03
Fresh and frozen food
Helps maintain refrigeration, storage, and safe handling.
04
Community programs
Supports the network of organizations helping people access food.
05
Emergency response
Helps meet urgent demand when more households need food assistance.
Donate food
When you donate food, you’re helping to ensure that the 1 in 9 households in Waterloo region relying on food assistance have access to fresh, nutritious meals right away.
1.6 million meals raised
Last year, our community raised a remarkable 1.6 million meals through food and funds collected from community and corporate drives, as well as community events.
Host a food and fund drive
Organize a food and fund drive to bring your community together and provide essential support to those facing hunger.
Sponsor our Food & Fund Drive program
If your company would like to make a meaningful impact, consider sponsoring our Food & Fund Drive program! Email us at sponsorships@thefoodbank.ca to learn more about how you can get involved and help fight hunger in our community.
Thank you to our Food & Fund Drive program sponsors!
Get involved
Discover all the ways you can support The Food Bank of Waterloo Region and help those facing food insecurity.
Donate now or encourage others to get involved. Everyone can help build a stronger, more food-secure community.
FAQs
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How do I donate food to The Food Bank of Waterloo region?
You can donate most-needed food items by dropping off unopened, non-perishable food donations at approved donation locations.
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How do I get food assistance in Waterloo region?
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region does not distribute food directly from its location. Instead, it supports the Community Food Assistance Network. If you need food, use the Find Food tool to locate a food assistance program near you.
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Can my workplace get involved?
Yes. Workplaces can support The Food Bank through corporate donations, employee giving, matching gifts, food and fund drives, sponsorship, group volunteering, and gifts in kind.
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Is donating money or food more helpful?
Both are helpful. Financial donations give The Food Bank flexibility to buy high-demand food and support distribution, while food donations help provide essential pantry items to local food assistance program
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How does my donation help?
Your donation helps The Food Bank collect, buy, store, and distribute food to local programs across Waterloo region. Financial donations provide flexibility to respond to rising need and supply nutritious food where it is needed most.
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Can I donate monthly?
Yes. Monthly donations through EAT 365 provide reliable year-round support, helping The Food Bank plan ahead and provide steady food assistance every month.