Donor spotlight: Werkr Tractors

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 Werkr Tractors.

In their second season of testing a small electric tractor—designed and built by Stanley Baer—Werkr Tractors realized they needed real field conditions to put their equipment to the test. Thanks to their friend Angie Koch, a local farmer, they gained access to a sizable plot of land just outside of Waterloo, providing the ideal space to trial the tractor and its implements.

Werkr Tractors’ small electric tractor in the field.

“We realized that growing vegetables in our test plot was necessary to test the seeding and weeding implements and to take images for the AI vision model,” explains Kim Knowles, head of operations. “With that, we realized that we would have a lot of produce on our hands. My sister-in-law, Leanne Baer, offered to help us harvest the produce and find volunteers to help so we could donate it to The Food Bank. We understand the food crisis in our region and know that many people are struggling to afford healthy food—this was a way for us to contribute. So that meant designing and growing a small market garden, something I have experience doing!”

What began as a test plot quickly turned into a true family project. Kim’s dad helped prepare the land for planting, while Stanley and Kim’s daughter, Sydney—who had previous experience working with Angie—set up the irrigation and oversaw the planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting. Stanley, Sydney, Leanne, Leanne’s son, and Leanne and Stan’s parents all helped with harvesting.

Family members helping with harvesting the produce.

“It is a real family affair!” Kim exclaims.

When it was time to donate the produce, Leanne reached out to The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

“We weren’t expecting such a supportive and positive response from The Food Bank,” Kim shares. “Your loaning of bins and skids, providing pick-up, and especially your overall enthusiasm has made our contribution possible. It motivates us, for sure!”

So far, Werkr Tractors has grown and donated lettuce, radishes, onions, and carrots—providing fresh, nutritious food for the 73,600 people who access food support through our Community Food Assistance Network partners.

Lettuce grown and donated by Werkr Tractors.

We’re so grateful to Werkr Tractors for helping ensure our neighbours in need have access to fresh, healthy food. Their support not only provides vital nutrition but also demonstrates how businesses and families can make a meaningful difference for those in our community experiencing food insecurity.

Interested in donating food? Email Nicole Marinelli, our food procurement and distribution services manager, at nicolem@thefoodbank.ca.