Waterloo Region, Ont., November 29, 2024 – December kicks off the holiday season, traditionally a time for families and friends to gather, spread joy, and share a meal together. However, for many people in Waterloo region, a holiday meals is far from certain.

“As we enter the holiday season, a time meant for joy and connection, the reality for many in our community is much different,” says Kim Wilhelm, CEO at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. “The need for food assistance continues to grow, with more individuals and families facing uncertainty about where their next meal will come from. Together, we can ensure everyone in our community has access to the food they need—not just during the holidays, but year-round.”

How to get involved

GivingTuesday: On December 3, make GivingTuesday unforgettable and help The Food Bank raise 300,000 meals. Every donation helps fill the Mobile Pantry with fresh, healthy food—just in time for the holidays. Financial contributions can be made online at thefoodbank.ca/givingtuesday. Normally, every dollar provides two healthy meals, but thanks to a $40,000 matching gift from OpenText, that dollar now provides four meals. Donate by 11:59 p.m. on December 3 to double the impact!

Donate food: The Food Bank is calling for non-perishable food donations, especially items like canned vegetables, soups, stews, chili, and pasta sauce. These donations can be dropped off at local grocery stores or at police, fire, or paramedic stations across Kitchener-Waterloo. On December 14, from noon to 4 p.m., volunteers with The Food Bank will be collecting non-perishable food and cash donations at participating Loblaw-owned stores in Kitchener-Waterloo as part of the Loblaw Feed More Families^TM Holiday Food Drive. The grocery chain is matching cash donations up to $100,000 until December 24.

Donate funds: Donate funds to help The Food Bank continue its mission of providing food to those in need. Donations can be made at thefoodbank.ca/holidaygiving. Donate before December 31, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. to receive a 2024 tax receipt. During the Canada Post workers’ strike, financial donations can be made online at thefoodbank.ca/holidaygiving, by phone at 519.743.5576, or in person at 50 Alpine Court, Kitchener.

Attend an event: December sees a range of events in support of The Food Bank, including Fill an Army Truck, It’s a Wonderful Life screening, Gift of Lights, and the Kitchener Rangers game on December 20. Details about these events and others can be found at thefoodbank.ca/events.

Volunteer time: Those looking to make a direct impact can volunteer at The Food Bank’s distribution centre or assist with an upcoming fundraising event. For volunteer opportunities, visit thefoodbank.ca/volunteer.

“Every act of generosity—whether it’s a donation of food, funds, or time—makes a meaningful difference,” adds Wilhelm. “This holiday season, as more people face food insecurity, our community’s support is crucial. It helps ensure that individuals and families can share a meal and experience the joy of the season. Together, we can make sure no one in Waterloo region goes hungry, not just during the holidays, but every day of the year.”

In Waterloo region, one in eight households accesses a food hamper program. Non-perishable food donations and monetary contributions enable The Food Bank to support the 54 partner organizations in the Community Food Assistance Network, which provide essential food to those in need throughout the region.

For more information, please visit thefoodbank.ca.

About The Food Bank of Waterloo Region

Founded in 1984, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region (The Food Bank) was the first organization of its kind in Ontario dedicated to providing emergency food. Forty years after its incorporation, The Food Bank continues to evolve to meet the community’s needs, ensuring that no one in Waterloo region experiences hunger. As a distribution centre, The Food Bank distributes more than 8.9 million pounds of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food to 54 organizations within the Community Food Assistance Network.

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Media contact

Michelle Rickard
Manager, Marketing and Communications
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region
micheller@thefoodbank.ca