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Need food?
No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. If you need food assistance or want more information, you can get in touch with us in a few ways.
How we operate
At The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, we don’t hand out food directly from our location. Instead, we operate as a distribution centre and provide support to the Community Food Assistance Network. Our job is to acquire essential food items, fill orders, and deliver fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food to organizations across Waterloo region that help those in need.
Find a food assistance program near you
Enter your postal code to locate the nearest food assistance program to you.
You can get in touch with us in a few ways
Centralized Food Assistance Outreach line
Our phone line is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, and closed on holidays and weekends.
519.743.5576 extension 340
Call to explore home deliveries, after-hours locker pick-ups, or to find a food assistance program near you.
Email us your request or query
Email us at needfood@thefoodbank.ca and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Email to explore home deliveries, after-hours locker pick-ups, or to find a food assistance program near you.
Chat with us
Chat with us online at the foodbank.ca (look for the chat icon on the bottom right corner).
Chat to explore home deliveries, after-hours locker pick-ups, or to find a food assistance program near you.
Frequently asked questions
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How do I use the referral map?
Type your postal code into the search box and press ‘enter’ or click the magnifying glass icon.
Click any of the Map marker icons for more information about a program.
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As a post-secondary student, where can I find food support?
If you’re a student and need food assistance, reach out to your on-campus program for support. Here’s how to get in touch with your university or college:
University of Waterloo Students: Contact the WUSA Food Support Service. Go to their website and fill out the request form.
Conestoga College Students: Get in touch with the SNAP service. Visit their website and send an email (CSIfoodbank@conestogac.on.ca) requesting support.
Wilfrid Laurier University Students: Reach out to the Student Union Food Bank. Visit their website and complete the request form.
If you have any more questions, feel free to call our Centralized Food Assistance Outreach line at 519.743.5576 extension 340 or email needfood@thefoodbank.ca.
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What if I can’t physically get to my designated program?
The Food Bank is pleased to offer a hamper delivery service. To request support through our hamper delivery service, call our Centralized Food Assistance Outreach line at 519.743.5576 extension 340 or email needfood@thefoodbank.ca. Please note that priority is given to households that are physically unable to visit a program in person.
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What if I can’t make it to the program during its daytime operating hours?
The Food Bank is pleased to offer an evening hamper pickup service in Kitchener. Made possible through a refrigerated locker system, this innovative service offers greater flexibility for individuals in need of emergency food assistance. To access the evening hamper pickup service, call our Centralized Food Assistance Outreach line at 519.743.5576 extension 340 or email needfood@thefoodbank.ca. Please note that priority is given to households that are unable to access food hampers during regular hours.
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Does food assistance operate during the weekend?
On Saturdays and Sundays, there are meal programs happening all across the region. Here’s a list of the ones available:
Saturday
Ray of Hope Community Centre
659 King Street East, Kitchener
519.578.8018
Noon–1:30 p.m.
Food Not Bombs
Kitchener City Hall, 200 King Street West, Kitchener
4:30–5:30 p.m.
Vineyard
147 Elgin Street North, Cambridge
519.623.4639
6–8:30 p.m.
Sunday
Salvation Army Meal Program
Kitchener City Hall, 200 King Street West, Kitchener
Noon–1:30 p.m.
Ray of Hope Community Centre
659 King Street East, Kitchener
519.578.8018
4:30–6 p.m.
Vineyard
147 Elgin Street North, Cambridge
519.623.4639
11 a.m.–2 p.m.
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What should I bring with me to get food?
When you go to a food hamper program, it’s helpful to bring a piece of ID for each person in your household, but it’s not mandatory. Also, remember to bring along some reusable bags to carry your food items.
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What can I expect when I arrive at the program?
When you arrive, someone will welcome you and ask a few questions. The information you share helps The Food Bank better understand and support those accessing food assistance. You can choose to provide details or remain anonymous—either way, you will still receive food assistance.
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What can I expect to get at a hamper program?
You can expect to receive a variety of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food items. Many programs also try to consider your household’s dietary and cultural needs.
Don’t be alarmed if some of the items you receive have passed their best before date. It’s important to understand that these dates are not expiration dates—they simply indicate when a product is at its peak freshness, flavor, and texture. Many foods remain safe and nutritious to eat even after the best before date has passed. Here’s a guide on using food past its best before date.
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Where can I find non-food community resources?
Click the links below to find non-food community resources.