Spring into action: Support The Food Bank of Waterloo Region as need remains at historical levels

Waterloo Region, Ont., April 2, 2026 – As food insecurity continues to impact households across Waterloo region, with nearly 73,000 adults and children relying on the Community Food Assistance Network for support, demand for food assistance remains at historic levels. In response, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region is inviting the community to spring into action by supporting neighbours through its annual Spring Food and Fund Drive.

“Every spring, our community shows up in incredible ways—donating food and funds, hosting drives, and finding creative ways to give back,” says Kim Wilhelm, CEO of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. “But right now, the need is higher than ever, and many people are needing support month after month. With the community’s support this spring, we’re aiming to raise 120,000 meals by June 20 to help meet that growing need.”

Today, one in nine households in the region is accessing food support, highlighting the growing pressure many individuals and families are facing as they try to keep up with the rising cost of living.

How to support the Spring Food and Fund Drive

Community members can make an immediate impact by donating online at thefoodbank.ca/donate. For every dollar donated, The Food Bank can provide two healthy, nutritious meals for someone in need.

Donations of non-perishable food items are also welcome and can be dropped off at any grocery store or police, fire, or paramedic station in Kitchener-Waterloo. A list of most-needed items is available at thefoodbank.ca/mostneeded.

Individuals, businesses, schools, and community groups are encouraged to get creative and host their own food or fund drives. Seasonal ideas include:

• Filling flowerpots or planters with non-perishable food items to symbolically ‘grow’ support for neighbours in need
• Hosting a car wash in exchange for food or monetary donations
• Selling lemonade or iced tea with proceeds going to The Food Bank
• Setting up a friendly competition between departments to see who can raise the most food or funds
• Offering casual dress days at work in exchange for a non-perishable food item or monetary donation

More ideas and resources are available at thefoodbank.ca/ffd.

Upcoming events

The spring campaign also features a lineup of engaging community fundraising events, offering multiple ways for the public to get involved and make a meaningful impact.

KW Wine & Food Show, April 10 and 11
Stop by The Food Bank’s booth at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium to learn more about food insecurity in Waterloo region and make a donation. Plus, for every beer or wine glass returned on Friday, 50 cents will be donated to support the community.

Whisky & Wine in the Warehouse, April 25
Although tickets for the second annual signature fundraising event at The Food Bank’s distribution centre are now sold out, community members can still pledge support for the expansion of The Food Bank’s hamper delivery service, helping more vulnerable individuals and families access essential food support. The community can also take part in the silent auction, launching April 20. Visit thefoodbank.ca/whiskywine for details.

Phil A Truck, May 12
Melloul-Blamey and local first responders are teaming up for The Food Bank’s annual Phil A Truck event. The community is invited to donate non-perishable food and funds at any Sobeys store in Kitchener-Waterloo from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Empty Bowls, May 27
Celebrating its 28th year, Empty Bowls returns to Wilfrid Laurier University’s Lazaridis Hall. Organized by Laurier’s Robert Langen Art Gallery and the Waterloo Potters’ Workshop, this beloved event raises funds for The Food Bank. Guests select a handcrafted bowl and enjoy gourmet soups from local chefs and restaurants. Tickets go on sale at noon on May 4 at thefoodbank.ca.

For a full listing of events happening this spring, visit thefoodbank.ca/events.

About The Food Bank of Waterloo Region

Founded in 1984, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region (The Food Bank) was the first organization of its kind in Ontario dedicated to providing emergency food. Forty-one years after its incorporation, The Food Bank continues to evolve to meet the community’s needs, ensuring that no one in Waterloo region experiences hunger. As a distribution centre, The Food Bank distributes more than 9.6 million pounds of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food to 61 organizations within the Community Food Assistance Network. Learn more at thefoodbank.ca.

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Media contact

Michelle Rickard
Manager, Marketing and Communications
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region
micheller@thefoodbank.ca