Helping neighbours in need is a community effort. Here at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, we couldn’t support our community the way we do without the incredible generosity of donors like RDJ Bakeries, a Cambridge-based manufacturer known for crafting high-quality crackers with precision and care.

“At RDJ Bakeries, we pride ourselves on being more than just a manufacturer—we are innovators in the snack industry,” says Cindy Le, the communications & events manager at RDJ Bakeries. “Each of our unique products is precisely crafted to uphold the highest quality, creating an iconic taste and an unforgettable eating experience.”

In addition to crafting affordable and delicious snacks, RDJ Bakeries is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community.

“RDJ Bakeries is a people-centered company, deeply committed to investing in our employees and giving back to the local community,” Cindy explains. “We believe that people are the heart of a thriving community, and we strive to create opportunities that empower individuals both within our organization and beyond. Supporting our local community is not just a responsibility—it’s a privilege and an integral part of who we are. Through active engagement, charitable initiatives, and meaningful partnerships, RDJ Bakeries is honoured to contribute to the well-being and growth of our community.”

Since 2017, RDJ Bakeries has been generously donating products to The Food Bank, supporting both our Food Recovery program and Feed Collaboration initiative. Through our Food Recovery program, we work with farmers, restaurants, retailers, distributors, and manufacturers like RDJ Bakeries to rescue surplus edible food that can no longer be sold and would otherwise go to waste. This food is then redirected to help the one in eight households in Waterloo region struggling to afford to put food on the table.

RDJ Bakeries’ donations also support the Feed Collaboration initiative led by Feed Ontario in partnership with The Food Bank. This program provides food producers—such as farmers, greenhouses, hydroponic growers, processors, manufacturers, and distributors—with a single, convenient channel to donate surplus food to food banks across southwestern Ontario. This means RDJ Bakeries’ donations not only support the more than 73,600 people in Waterloo region accessing food assistance but also strengthen the food bank network across southwestern Ontario, ensuring even more people can access emergency food.

“We’re incredibly grateful for RDJ Bakeries’ ongoing support,” says Nicole Marinelli, The Food Bank’s food procurement and distribution services manager. “Crackers are a wonderful donation to food banks because they are non-perishable, easy to store, and simple to distribute. They also provide a nutritious and versatile snack that complements other food items, helping to create well-rounded meals for individuals and families.”

To further strengthen their support for The Food Bank, RDJ Bakeries became a monthly donor in 2021. Combining food donations with their monetary contributions, RDJ Bakeries has provided more than 93,000 meals for people in need!

“We believe in doing our part—especially as the need for food assistance continues to grow,” Cindy says. “From the very beginning, our founders instilled a strong commitment to supporting those around us, and that dedication remains at the heart of everything we do.”

In October 2024, RDJ Bakeries further demonstrated their commitment to the community by hosting their first food and fund drive, with a Halloween theme—‘Scare Hunger Away.’

“The goal was to collect 500 non-perishable items,” Cindy recalls. “We made the event fun and engaging with our crackers dressed up in costumes and employees could vote for their favourite with their donated items. All of our facilities and shifts participated, and we collected 830 items, exceeding our goal by 66 per cent!”

In addition to their generous donations, RDJ Bakeries also brought in a team earlier this year to volunteer in our Fresh Approaches Food Centre, our award-winning onsite food processing facility. In this space, volunteers safely repack and freeze large fresh food donations from farmers, restaurants, retailers, distributors, and manufacturers. This process allows us to accept more fresh food, extend its shelf life, and provide even more nutritious options for those in need.

“Our team had an incredible experience gaining first-hand insight into all of the work carried out by The Food Bank,” Cindy says. “We had the opportunity to learn about their operations, from food sorting and preparation to storage and delivery, all while prioritizing minimal waste.”

From donating food and funds to hosting food and fund drives and volunteering, we’re immensely grateful to RDJ Bakeries and their staff for all the ways they support our work. Thank you, RDJ Bakeries, for helping us ensure that no one in Waterloo region experiences hunger.