Board member spotlight: Hassan Asif

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region—from supporting day-to-day operations to lending a hand at community events. But their impact doesn’t stop there. Volunteers also help lead the organization at the highest level, serving on The Food Bank’s Board of Directors.

One of those dedicated volunteers is Hassan Asif, who joined the Board in November 2025.

“I’ve been a resident of the region of Waterloo since 2008,” Hassan says. “I chose to settle here because of the tremendous potential the region offered and how closely it aligned with my career aspirations. Over the years, I’ve witnessed the region grow and provide opportunities to newcomers, students, professionals, and retirees. It’s truly a great place to live with a strong sense of community.

“With this growth, however, I’ve also seen greater challenges that our region faces, including rising hunger. The Food Bank of Waterloo Region has risen to the challenge of fighting hunger in our region with its dedicated employees, volunteers, and donors. It was out of a sense of gratitude and a desire to give back that I decided to get involved by volunteering my time to help our community fight hunger.”

The Food Bank’s volunteer Board of Directors plays a critical role in guiding the organization’s mission and impact. Meeting throughout the year, Board members provide strategic oversight, governance, and financial stewardship, ensuring The Food Bank remains accountable and effective in its work to address food insecurity. Hassan currently serves as a director.

“Volunteering at the Board level gives me a sense of fulfillment that I’m able to do my part to help the people in our region who are most vulnerable,” Hassan explains. “It allows me to take a higher-level view of how we are positioning The Food Bank to continue meeting the rising needs of our community, and to help ensure the programs we support are sustained for years to come.”

Hassan Asif.

Since joining the Board, Hassan has been moved by the depth of community support.

“I’ve especially been proud to learn about the generosity of our community donors who support The Food Bank,” he says. “It’s reassuring to see we live in a community that cares for each other and is ready to face and overcome any challenges.”

Serving on the Board has also deepened his appreciation for the broader network of support behind our work.

“It has given me a sense of even deeper gratitude for our staff, volunteers, and donors who continue to work with various community channels to ensure there is food available to everyone,” he shares. “They work to ensure that there are equitable distribution channels in place to ensure we are able to reach everyone who needs the support of The Food Bank.”

For those thinking about volunteering in a similar capacity, Hassan offers encouragement.

“Volunteering always matters,” he says. “There are always going to be people who need support from others to lift them up from time to time. There’s no better time to start than now. There’s no better feeling to know you have helped someone or made a difference in your community.”

If Hassan’s story inspires you, there are many ways to get involved. Visit our Volunteer page to explore opportunities and discover how you can make a difference for people facing hunger in Waterloo region.