Great Food Sort Challenge—the most epic event of the year—returns January 23, 24, and 27, 2025! Hosted by The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, this annual event brings together 30 teams who suit up like superheroes and go head-to-head in an action-packed showdown to fight hunger and sort the most non-perishable food for people in need.

This year’s event is presented by BMO. For over 200 years, BMO has been helping individuals, businesses, and communities achieve their financial goals. Their commitment to growth and success goes beyond banking, as they actively invest in building stronger, more resilient communities.

“BMO is committed to the communities where we live and work,” says Jessie White, branch manager at the newly opened Fischer-Hallman and Bleams branch in Kitchener. “The desire, need, and understanding to give back to the community are ingrained in our culture. It’s at the heart of everything we do. Without our customers, we wouldn’t be here and be able to help grow the good in our community. It’s important to us to make sure that our customers and communities are thriving and well cared for.”

As the presenting sponsor for Great Food Sort Challenge, BMO is helping to ensure that no one goes hungry in Waterloo region. But their support doesn’t stop there—BMO is also putting on their capes and joining the action as one of the 30 competing teams hoping to win the coveted title of Most Food Sorted.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the excitement and competitiveness,” Jessie shares. “I think it will be a really fun time that also does a whole lot of good at the same time.”

Teams at Great Food Sort Challenge help us organize the influx of donations received throughout the holiday season. Once the food is sorted, it’s then distributed to the 54 organizations in the Community Food Assistance Network that provide direct food support to the more than 73,600 people or one in eight households in Waterloo region accessing food assistance.

“I’ve worked really closely with The Food Bank over the past few years with food drives and have come to understand not only the need but also the significant number of programs that The Food Bank supports,” Jessie explains.

To help spread awareness about food insecurity in Waterloo and to raise funds for The Food Bank, teams are encouraged to fundraise for their chance to win the Most Funds Raised title. These efforts also count toward the Most Meals Raised title, which combines funds raised with the total amount of food sorted. For every dollar donated, The Food Bank can provide two healthy and nutritious meals to someone in need. It’s a win-win, no matter which team flies away with a victory!

Jessie hopes residents in Waterloo region will join forces with BMO on this legendary journey of compassion and competition.

“I’m so happy we’re able to partner with The Food Bank and make a bigger impact,” she says. “As a business, it certainly gives us a lot of exposure, and being a new branch, our biggest challenge is getting the word out that we’re open. This event gives us an opportunity to connect with the community. We want people to come and visit us. Being part of something like this, which brings like-minded people together to create an even bigger impact, is humbling. It’s inspiring to see so many people wanting to make a difference.”

To get involved with Great Food Sort Challenge and support The Food Bank, you can donate to your favourite participating team online at thefoodbank.ca/gfsc-fundraising.

To learn more about The Food Bank’s sponsorship opportunities and how your business can help ensure no one in our community goes hungry, visit our website or contact our partnership officers, Shannon Jaklitsch at shannonj@thefoodbank.ca and Chris White at chrisw@thefoodbank.ca.