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Most needed food bank items to donate
Donate most needed food items to help The Food Bank of Waterloo Region provide safe, nourishing food to local food assistance programs serving individuals and families facing hunger across Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and the townships.
Most needed items
Canned fruits and vegetables
Canned meats and fish
Dry beans and pasta
Hot and cold cereal
Individually packed snacks (granola bars, apple sauce, pudding cups)
Jam/fruit spread
Pasta sauce
Peanut butter
Rice
Frequently asked questions
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What are the best food items to donate to a food bank?
The best food items to donate are unopened, non-perishable pantry staples that are nutritious, versatile, and have a long shelf life. Examples include canned meat and fish, canned fruits and vegetables, rice, pasta, dry beans, cereal, peanut butter, pasta sauce, and individually packaged snacks.
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Where can I drop off food donations in Waterloo region?
Non-perishable food items can be dropped off at any grocery store or fire, police, or paramedic station in Kitchener-Waterloo. They can also be dropped off at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region’s 50 Alpine Court location during community drop-off hours.
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Can I donate fresh food?
Yes. We accept fresh food from gardens, farmers, greenhouses, hydroponic growers, and retailers. Fresh food donations should be delivered directly to The Food Bank of Waterloo Region’s 50 Alpine Court location during community drop-off hours.
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Can I donate frozen food?
Yes. We accept frozen food from farmers, greenhouses, hydroponic growers, retailers, processors, manufacturers, and distributors. Frozen food donations should be delivered directly to The Food Bank of Waterloo Region’s 50 Alpine Court location during community drop-off hours. To maintain food safety standards, donations must be transported in a dock-level, temperature-controlled truck maintained at -18°C or below. If you’re unable to arrange transportation, we may be able to pick up your donation. Call 519.743.5576 or email info@thefoodbank.ca to discuss pickup options and make arrangements.
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Can I donate food past its best before date?
Yes. We accept many food items past their best before date. A best before date indicates how long a product will maintain its peak quality in taste, texture, and appearance. It doesn’t mean the food becomes unsafe after that date. Many foods are perfectly safe to eat well past their best before date. Please refer to our best before date guidelines for more information.
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Can I donate expired food?
No. We cannot accept food that has passed its expiry date. Unlike a best before date, an expiry date indicates the last day a product is considered safe to consume.
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Can I donate homemade food?
No. For food safety reasons, homemade food should not be donated. Please donate unopened, sealed food items in their original packaging.
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Can I donate pet supplies?
Yes. We accept unopened pet food. Pet food donations can be dropped off at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region’s 50 Alpine Court location during community donation drop-off hours.
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Can I donate non-food items?
Yes. We accept non-food items such as personal care products and cleaning supplies. Non-food donations can be dropped off at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region’s 50 Alpine Court location during community donation drop-off hours.
Community donation
drop-off hours
Use the yellow Customer Service door and ring the bell at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.
Closed on all Ontario statutory holidays.
Benefits of donating surplus and imperfect food
Surplus and imperfect food donations help reduce waste while quickly directing safe, nutritious, ready-to-use food to people facing food insecurity across Waterloo region. Redirecting surplus and imperfect product helps The Food Bank of Waterloo Region meet rising demand, strengthen local food assistance programs, and ensure more edible food reaches people in need instead of going to waste.
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Reduce food waste
Reduce food waste and keep safe, edible food out of landfill
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Feed neighbours in need
Support neighbours by providing meals and food hampers to individuals and families
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Strengthen food programs
Help local food assistance programs access more ready-to-use food
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Increase nutritious food access
Increase the availability of nutritious items, including fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
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Maximize charitable resources
Extend charitable resources by helping The Food Bank allocate more funding toward high-demand food purchases
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Support local sustainability
Support local sustainability goals by redirecting surplus product where it is needed most
Industry food donations
Help us provide food to neighbours in need across Waterloo region by donating surplus and imperfect products.