National Volunteer Week is April 16 to 22. Throughout the week, we’re celebrating The Food Bank of Waterloo Region’s more than 2,600 volunteers and recognizing the contributions they make each day so that people in our community have access to healthy and nutritious food. We’re also featuring some of our amazing volunteers on our blog and social media accounts to learn more about them and why they volunteer at The Food Bank. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn so you don’t miss a post. 

Meet Allison Ballantyne 

Allison is pictured here collecting food for The Food Bank at Zehrs. 

Allison Ballantyne first got involved with The Food Bank of Waterloo Region in December 2022. At the time, she was new to Waterloo region and looking for a way to give back to the community. 

“I chose The Food Bank as I have always been passionate about hunger relief,” Allison says. “The Food Bank is such an amazing organization and truly makes a difference in the lives of others. I was excited to learn more about the organization and its tremendous impact on food scarcity in the region.” 

Since then, she’s been volunteering once a week, picking weekly shifts that work with her busy schedule. She typically helps with sorting food in our warehouse. She also supports our evening sorting events, volunteering alongside companies and community groups sorting food. 

“I love meeting new people and connecting with members of the community,” Allison says. “I find this type of work extremely rewarding and it’s amazing to see what can be done in just a few short hours.” 

Allison has not only found volunteering with The Food Bank rewarding but she’s learned a lot too. 

“It was quite shocking to discover how many community residents rely on emergency food assistance programs for their meals,” she says. “It is incredible to see how much fresh food is processed as well.” 

Are you interested in volunteering? Visit our website to learn more about the different volunteer roles and how you can help people in our community access the food they need.