About us

Founded in 1984, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region was Ontario’s first food bank focused on emergency food support. Now, 41 years later, it distributes over 8.9 million pounds of food annually to 54 organizations, striving to end hunger in the community.

How we operate

At The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, we don’t hand out food directly from our location. Instead, we operate as a distribution centre and provide support to the Community Food Assistance Network. Our role is to acquire essential food items, fill orders, and deliver fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food to organizations across Waterloo region that help those in need.

Community Food Assistance Network

The Community Food Assistance Network includes 54 organizations and 132 programs that ensure people across Waterloo region can access essential food support. Plus, many of our partner organizations offer other crucial services, like mental health support, job placement, and help with shelter and housing. It’s all about providing the help people need to thrive.

Learn more about the Community Food Assistance Network

Our story

On October 15, 2024, we celebrated our 40th anniversary as a food bank. To mark this milestone, we created a keepsake book: Celebrating 40 Years of Feeding Waterloo Region: The History of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. We hope you enjoy it—and thank you for being part of our story for the past four decades.

Our impact

Since 1984, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region has been at the heart of our community, working alongside local organizations to ensure no one goes hungry. Today, we continue to evolve, strengthening partnerships and finding new ways to support those in need.

Here’s how we make a difference.

Providing reliable food support

We supply safe, nutritious food to 54 Community Food Assistance Network partners through food drives, recovery programs, and corporate partnerships.

Leading and coordinating

We help Network partners work more efficiently, ensuring resources are used where they’re needed most.

Maximizing food donations

We collaborate with 30+ food banks across southwestern Ontario to connect businesses with innovative donation and redistribution options.

Raising awareness

We educate youth and adults about food insecurity through hands-on programs and outreach.

Engaging the community

Volunteers play a key role in every part of our work, from sorting food to packing hampers.

Vision

A Waterloo region where no one experiences hunger.

Mission

Through community collaboration, we obtain and distribute essential food from our neighbours for our neighbours.

Organizational values

Community impact

Equity, inclusion, and respect

Collaborative partnerships

Operational excellence

Continuous improvement

Integrity and dependability

Territorial acknowledgment

The land on which The Food Bank of Waterloo Region operates is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Chonnonton Peoples. We are situated on the Haldimand Tract, land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on either side of the Grand River. We acknowledge the enduring presence of Indigenous Peoples with whom we share this land today, and we are committed to cultivating authentic and respectful relationships characterized by trust and collaboration.

How you can help

There are many ways to give and support The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, whether as an individual, family, or group. Here are a few options to get involved:

Donate food

Food donations play a critical role in providing immediate resources to those facing hunger. When you donate food, you’re helping to ensure that the 1 in 8 households in Waterloo region relying on food assistance have access to fresh, nutritious meals right away.

Donate food

Volunteer

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. From accepting donations and attending events to sorting food, packing hampers, and delivering to our partners, we truly couldn’t do it without you. Your help makes all the difference!

Volunteer with us

Host a food and fund drive

Organize a food and fund drive and make a real difference in your community.

Advocate

You can help create a hunger-free community by using your voice. Advocate for stronger social policies, support organizations fighting for food security, and encourage leaders to take meaningful action. Together, we can go beyond food assistance and build a future where no one has to worry about their next meal.

Learn how you can take action

Legacy giving

Leave a lasting impact by giving a legacy gift today—your contribution will continue to support the fight against hunger for years to come.

Give a legacy gift

Corporate giving

Partner with The Food Bank of Waterloo Region to make a difference—donate, volunteer, sponsor, or host a food and fund drive to help fight hunger in our community.

Partner with us

Awards and achievements

Mountain Mover Award

In 2025, received the Mountain Mover Award for our innovative after-hours food locker program.

Innovation Award

Awarded in 2020 for our Fresh Approaches Food Centre, recognizing innovative food recovery that boosted productivity, job creation, and service efficiency.

Business Excellence Award

In 2016, recognized by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce for improving infrastructure and strengthening the Community Food Assistance Network’s impact.

Join our team

Are you passionate about reducing food insecurity and making a real impact in your community? At The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, we believe everyone should have access to healthy, nutritious food. By joining our team, you’ll be part of a dedicated group committed to building a Waterloo region where no one goes hungry. Whether you work in our warehouse or office, or drive a delivery truck, your efforts will directly help those in need. If you’re looking for a career with purpose, where your skills and compassion can truly make a difference, we’d love to hear from you!

View open positions

The Ethical Food Banking Code

As an Affiliate Member of Food Banks Canada, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region supports the belief that everyone in Canada has the right to reliable, safe, and nutritious food that meets their needs and preferences.

Ethical Food Banking Code
Food Banks Canada, its Members (provincial associations), Affiliate Member food banks and associated agencies believe that everyone in Canada has the right to physical and economic access, at all times, to sufficient, safe and nutritious food which meets their dietary needs and food preferences.

As an Affiliate Member of Food Banks Canada, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region will:
1. Provide food and other assistance to those needing help regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, income source, age or mental or physical ability.
2. Treat all those who access services with the utmost dignity and respect.
3. Implement best practices in the proper and safe storage and handling of food.
4. Respect the privacy of those served, and will maintain the confidentiality of personal information.
5. Not sell donated food.
6. Acquire and share food in a spirit of cooperation with other food banks and food programs.
7. Strive to make the public aware of the existence of hunger, and of the factors that contribute to it.
8. Recognize that food banks are not a viable long-term response to hunger, and devote part of their activities to reducing the need for food assistance.
9. Represent accurately, honestly and completely their respective mission and activities to the larger community.
Feedback

If you have feedback or want to share your experience with food assistance services supported by The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, you can reach out to Food Banks Canada Customer Experience Hotline at 1.877.280.0329 or email complaints@foodbankscanada.ca. You can also contact The Food Bank of Waterloo Region directly. Your input is valuable to us!
Resources

Feed Ontario Service Standards

Feed Ontario Client Rights and Privileges