Community Food Assistance Network

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region serves as the region’s central hub for food collection, storage, and distribution through the Community Food Assistance Network. By partnering with local organizations providing food support and other vital services, we help make food accessible across Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, and the surrounding townships.

 

Find food

The Network consists of

61 organizations

120+ food assistance programs

Working together, these organizations address hunger by providing:

 

Food hampers

Fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food

 

Community meals

Nourishing meals for dine in or take out

 

Nutritional Outreach

Food packs or temporary cooking program

 

Shelter and residential meals

Prepared meals for shelter guests or supportive housing residents

 

The Network ensures that children and adults in every city and township in Waterloo region have access to essential food support close to home.

Become a Network partner or collaborator

Tools for Network partners

Email us for first-time access to the tools listed (e.g., Resources, Primarius, Link2Feed) Resources for Network partners Place a food order using Primarius Track visits using Link2Feed

Agency partners

Check out the organizations in the Community Food Assistance Network.

 

A Better Tent City

Location: Kitchener

Website

Community mealsShelter and residential meals

Adventure4Change

Location: Waterloo

Website

Nutritional outreach

Alison Neighbourhood Community Centre

Location: Cambridge

Website

Nutritional outreach

How to apply to the Community Food Assistance Network

Applications open January 5 to February 27, 2026

We’re excited to welcome new applicants to be a part of the Community Food Assistance Network! If your organization is passionate about helping people access nutritious food, this is your chance to apply to join a coordinated Network to support communities across Waterloo region.

Why apply?

Being part of the Community Food Assistance Network means more than receiving food deliveries. Successful applicants will gain:

  • Training to strengthen your food assistance programs while aligning with shared values
  • Support for working strategically with other agencies addressing food insecurity
  • Tools to engage your community and showcase your work
  • Program innovation and pilot opportunities
  • Regional data and insights to inform your planning and funding

What you’re applying for

When you apply, you’re asking to:

  • Receive food for your programs from The Food Bank of Waterloo Region or Cambridge Food Bank
  • Coordinate with other Network partners to reach areas without established services
  • Uphold shared values (for example, your food programming is free to access, there is no income screening, and no suggestion of payment)
  • Commit to 8–12 weeks of onboarding and training in participant engagement and program delivery
  • Use Link2Feed, a secure platform for logging data and gaining insights into community needs

Eligibility

We welcome organizations that are passionate about supporting the right to food and addressing food insecurity for individuals and families in Waterloo region. Before applying, check that your organization meets these key criteria:

  • Can provide ongoing (at least six months or year-round) emergency food assistance, not one-time services
  • Serves people in Waterloo region.
  • Can safely handle food, track data, and be present during service
  • Aligns with shared values (for example, food programming is free to access, there is no income screening, and no suggestion of payment)
  • Is a registered charity with status for at least one year or has a sponsoring charity with status for at least one year

Want more information on eligibility? Review the Self-Assessment Checklist to see if joining the Network is a good fit for your organization.

Interested in becoming a Network partner?

Submit an Expression of Interest (always open!) so we can learn more about your organization and confirm eligibility. If eligible, you’ll be asked to complete a formal partnership application.

Have questions?

Frequently asked questions

  • Who can apply to become a partner?

    Organizations that are registered charities (in good standing for at least one year) and serve individuals and families living in Waterloo region. Priority is given to agencies providing emergency food assistance (e.g., programs that respond to immediate food needs). Applicant should also align with The Food Bank’s values.

  • How is food support coordinated for organizations operating in Cambridge?

    We work collaboratively to ensure organizations are connected to the right opportunities. Depending on program needs and location, applications may be reviewed by The Food Bank of Waterloo Region or, for Cambridge-based services, connected with the Cambridge Food Bank. This flexible approach helps strengthen local relationships.

  • What if we’re not a registered charity?

    You can still apply if you have a sponsoring organization that is a registered charity. The sponsor will need to provide a signed letter of support and will formally hold the partnership on your behalf.

  • What are the benefits of becoming a partner?

    Partnership means more than food deliveries. You’ll gain access to educational resources, training, and a supportive Network of agencies. We help strengthen your programs, connect you with new opportunities, and amplify your impact in the community.

    Partnership is also a two-way relationship. By working together, we learn from your expertise, expand our reach, and ensure the Network reflects the needs of our communities. Your insights help us innovate and improve, making the entire Network stronger and more responsive.

  • How do I apply to join the Community Food Assistance Network?

    Applying is a two-step process:

    • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Complete a short form (typically five minutes to complete) to share information about your organization and eligibility. Within two weeks, we’ll let you know if you can move forward to a formal application or if other collaboration options (like advocacy or referrals) are available.
    • Submit a formal application: Invited organizations submit a detailed application (typically 30–45 minutes) by February 27, 2026. Decisions are shared the week of April 20, 2026. If not approved for partnership, we may explore alternative collaboration opportunities.

  • Why do we start with an Expression of Interest form?

    The Expression of Interest form is a quick way to make sure your organization meets requirements and that our goals and values are aligned.

  • Is the Expression of Interest form always open?

    Yes! The Expression of Interest form is available year-round so you can be notified when formal partnership applications are being accepted. 

  • What happens after we submit the Expression of Interest form?

    If your Expression of Interest form meets our requirements, you’ll be invited to complete a formal partnership application between January 5 and February 27, 2026. 

  • What happens after we submit the formal partnership application?

    You’ll receive a decision the week of April 20, 2026. If your application isn’t approved, we’ll explore whether a collaboration might be a better fit.

  • How is collaboration different from partnership?

    Collaborations are usually short-term projects or initiatives with community groups, schools, or businesses. They don’t involve ongoing food deliveries but focus on shared goals like events, education, advocacy, or referrals.

Expression of interest