Behind every food hamper, community meal, and delivery is a volunteer

As food insecurity continues to rise across Waterloo region, more people are relying on food assistance month after month just to get by. What often goes unseen is that behind every food hamper, community meal, and delivery is a volunteer helping make that support possible.  

Last year, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region distributed 9.6 million pounds of food to 61 partner organizations in the Community Food Assistance Network—supporting nearly 73,000 adults and children across Waterloo region. 

That kind of response doesn’t happen by accident—and it doesn’t happen through food bank staff alone. It depends on thousands of people across our community choosing to give their time, energy and compassion so no one goes hungry.   

It starts in our 31,000-square-foot warehouse, where donations from the community and local businesses are received, sorted, and stored in refrigerators, freezers, or on shelves. From there, food is picked, packed, and loaded onto trucks for delivery to our Network partners—eventually becoming part of a meal shared at a community table or a hamper carried home to nourish a family.

At The Food Bank, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Some, like Ian, help in our warehouse, accepting donations and packing hampers on the hamper line. Others, like Bud, deliver food hampers to individuals and families who can’t access a food assistance program in person, ensuring that health or other challenges never stand in the way of a nutritious meal. Corporate and community groups, such as Pickleball of Waterloo Wellington Region, also roll up their sleeves to sort non-perishable food donations. 

Volunteers support our community events as well. From Canstruction at Conestoga Mall during March Break to the Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show in July, volunteers like Manjinder engage with the public, collect donations, and help people understand how every contribution makes a real difference. 

In 2024–2025 alone, more than 4,800 volunteers contributed more than 36,700 hours to The Food Bank—the equivalent of 17.6 full-time staff—all working toward one goal: ensuring no one in our community goes hungry. Volunteers aren’t on the sidelines of the food assistance response—they are at the heart of it.  

National Volunteer Week, running April 19 to 25, is an important opportunity to recognize these contributions. This year’s theme, Ignite Volunteerism, invites everyone to experience the impact of giving back. Adding to its significance, the United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers, recognizing the vital role volunteers play in building strong, caring communities. 

Leadership at The Food Bank is volunteer-driven, too. Our volunteer Board of Directors helps guide our mission and strengthen our impact.  

I also want to recognize the many volunteers across the Network. They greet neighbours with warmth and kindness at hamper or community meal programs, prepare food, and create welcoming spaces where people feel supported and connected. Beyond providing food, they often help people access other community services as well. We’re deeply grateful to these volunteers for the meaningful difference they make in the lives of those struggling to afford food. 

At a time when food insecurity remains high, volunteering is one of the most direct ways to turn concern into action. If you have time to give and want to make a real difference, we invite you to join us. Explore opportunities at thefoodbank.ca/volunteer. You can also read stories about volunteers like Ian, Bud, and Manjinder—and the impact they’re making—at thefoodbank.ca/library. 

Because when we ignite volunteerism, we don’t just fill plates—we help build a stronger, kinder, and more caring community. Volunteers help hold a community together. 

Kim Wilhelm is the CEO at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.