Host a food and fund drive

Hosting a food and fund drive helps fill inventory gaps, support food delivery, and meet diverse needs across our community. Every drive—big or small—makes a meaningful difference.

 

Register your food and fund drive

 

1 in 8 households in Waterloo region is accessing a food assistance program.

 

Between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024, community and corporate food and fund drives helped provide 1.8 million meals to people in need across the region. Every food item donated, every dollar raised, and every drive hosted makes a real difference. Thank you for helping feed our community

 

How to host

01

Plan an awesome event

Organize a bake sale, car wash, or another type of event in support of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. The possibilities are endless! Get creative and have fun!

 

02

Set a goal

You can raise food, funds, or both! To simplify the process, you can even run a one item food drive and collect only one type of food or run an online fundraiser where you just raise funds.

Fun fact: $10 helps provide food for 20 meals!

 

03

Register your food and fund drive

Register your food and fund drive. We’ll provide boxes, bags, and posters paid for by our sponsors, and provide you with step-by-step instructions for setting up your own custom online donation page.

 

04

 Spread the word

Promote your food and fund drive. Post flyers, send emails, tell your friends, and share on social! Remember to tag us @FoodBankWatReg and use #FeedWR.

 

05

Make your donation

Drop off your food and funds at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, 50 Alpine Court, Kitchener, during our community donation drop-off hours.

 

Resources

How-To Guide
Download now
Donation Tracking Sheet
Download now
Food and Fund Drive Poster (11x17)
Download now
Food and Fund Drive Poster (8.5x11)
Download now

Our incredible sponsors

If your company is interested in partnering with us on an event or program—or exploring a new initiative—reach out to our sponsorship team.

 

Become a sponsor

Register your food and fund drive

Step 1 of 4 - Contact information

Are you registering as an:
Address

Food and fund drive frequently asked questions

 

 

  • Why should I register my food and fund drive?

    Registering your drive helps us support you every step of the way! We’ll provide resources, promotion, and tips to make your drive a success—and we want to recognize and thank you for making a difference in our community!

  • What food items can I donate?

    We accept all non-perishable food items. Check out our Most Needed Items page for an up-to-date list of priority items.

  • How do I collect funds?

    If you’re collecting cash or cheques, we recommend keeping them in an envelope and using our Donation Tracking Sheet to stay organized. For credit card donations, direct supporters to your custom online donation page.

  • Will donors get a tax receipt?

    Yes! Financial donations of any amount are eligible for a tax receipt. Just make sure to track donor details (name, mailing address, phone, and email) using the Donation Tracking Sheet. Receipts are automatically issued for online donations.
    Community food donations aren’t eligible for tax receipts unless accompanied by a grocery store receipt. For more details, call us at 519.743.5576.

  • How are donations used?

    Your food and funds help us:
    – Fill gaps in our inventory
    – Buy food to meet diverse cultural and dietary needs
    – Keep our delivery vehicles on the road
    – Support our 54 partner organizations in the Community Food Assistance Network

  • What does The Food Bank need more—food or funds?

    Both are important! But financial donations go even further, thanks to our partnerships with food industry suppliers. For every $1 donated, we can provide two meals for someone in need.

    Food donations are essential too! They help us offer variety and stock up on high-demand items that directly support local programs.

  • When is the best time to host a food and fund drive?

    Anytime! The need for emergency food assistance is constant, so whenever you’re ready to help, we’re here to support you.

  • How do I donate after my food and fund drive?

    Drop off donations at our distribution centre:
    50 Alpine Court, Kitchener

    Use the yellow Customer Service door and ring the bell

    Community donation drop-off hours:
    Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

    Tuesday: 8:30 a.m.–8 p.m.

    Second Saturday of each month: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

    If you need a pick up, email Gabi at gabih@thefoodbank.ca to schedule one.

  • My food and fund drive is done—now what?

    Once you’ve made your donation, we’ll calculate how many meals you helped provide and share the impact with you. We encourage you to share it with your supporters too!

    We’d also love to hear your story! Send us photos and details about your drive to Gabi at gabih@thefoodbank.ca, and we may feature it on our website, social media, or emails.

    Thank you for helping feed our community!