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 Amanda Stanzel

Amanda is pictured here at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

There are many reasons why people feel compelled to donate their time. For Amanda Stanzel, the reason is simple.

“I’ve volunteered my whole life,” Amanda says. “I love to give back.”

Amanda has been volunteering at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region for seven years. She started out in the warehouse, sorting food for the Community Food Assistance Network—a system of more than 120 community programs and agency partners working together to provide food, support, and services for people in need. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Amanda volunteered with the same group of people. Some of those people have become lifelong friends that she still has today.

Now she primarily volunteers at signature events like Canstruction and third-party events like Ribfest and the KW Wine & Food Show.

“That’s what’s nice about The Food Bank… the flexibility,” she says. “You have options. You can pick and choose the dates that work for you. And it’s fun.”

Since Amanda is a long-term volunteer, she often takes on a team lead role at events, helping to organize other volunteers. She also wears our Phil the Food Drive Bag mascot costume.

Amanda is pictured here as Phil the Food Drive Bag at Canstruction.

“I love getting the word out, making connections with the community, representing The Food Bank, and hearing people’s stories,” Amanda says. “It gives me a purpose.”

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.