5 ways to support The Food Bank and neighbours in need this holiday season

In Waterloo region, one in nine households relies on food assistance. For these families and individuals, putting food on the table each day is a challenge, let alone finding extra funds for festive meals. This holiday season, you can help ensure everyone in our community has food to share, traditions to enjoy, and moments to celebrate. Here are five meaningful ways you can support The Food Bank of Waterloo Region and make the season brighter for our neighbours in need.

Donate funds

If you can afford to give, a financial contribution, no matter the size, can have a significant impact. For every dollar you donate, The Food Bank can provide two healthy and nutritious meals for someone in need. Donate online or drop off a financial donation at our distribution centre at 50 Alpine Court in Kitchener. Be sure to donate by the end of the year to receive a tax receipt for 2025!

Donate non-perishable food

If you have room in your grocery budget to buy some extra food, non-perishable food donations are always welcome and appreciated. These donations keep our shelves stocked and help the 61 organizations in the Community Food Assistance Network support the nearly 73,000 people in Waterloo region who rely on food assistance. You can drop off a non-perishable food item at any grocery store, or at a police, fire, or paramedic station in Kitchener-Waterloo. Not sure what to donate? Check out our most needed items!

Host a food and fund drive

If you’re looking to do even more, consider hosting a food and fund drive. Every non-perishable food item and dollar collected helps our Network partners support families and individuals facing hunger. Food and fund drives also help raise awareness about hunger in our region and inspire more people to get involved.

Not sure how to get started? Here are some fun ideas:

1. At your next holiday party, ask friends and family to bring a non-perishable food item.
2. Offer gift-wrapping services in exchange for a cash donation.
3. Sing carols in your neighbourhood and collect non-perishable food items.

Be sure to register your food and fund drive so we can provide you with boxes, bags, and posters paid for by our sponsors, as well as step-by-step instructions for setting up your own custom online donation page.

Volunteer

If you have time to spare, we’re always looking for volunteers to help at community fundraising events. Event volunteers collect food and financial donations from community members and help them understand the impact of their generosity. Visit our Volunteer page to learn more.

Attend a community fundraising event

Celebrate the season while giving back! From holiday parades and hockey games to festive movie nights and concerts, our community is full of fun events that support The Food Bank. Visit our Events page to find one near you.

No gesture or action is too small. How will you support The Food Bank and our neighbours in need this holiday season?