Agency spotlight: Wellesley Food Cupboard

As the cost of living continues to climb, many families are being forced to make difficult choices each month: put gas in the car or buy groceries?

For people living in rural communities and commuting to nearby cities for work, driving isn’t optional—it’s essential. With limited or no public transportation available, getting to work means getting behind the wheel. As a result, food is often one of the first household expenses people are forced to reduce.

Fortunately, for residents of the Township of Wellesley who are struggling to make ends meet, the Wellesley Food Cupboard is there to help.

On the first and third Thursdays of each month, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., community members in need can visit the Wellesley Food Cupboard to receive a food hamper. It takes a dedicated team of 10 to 12 volunteers to operate the program each time it runs.

Outside of the Wellesley Food Cupboard.

“I’ve seen lots of change over the years—change in who’s using the program—but the one thing that’s always stayed the same is the community support,” says Christa Gerber, who oversees the day-to-day operations of the Wellesley Food Cupboard and has volunteered with the program since it began 11 years ago.

Thanks to support from Wellesley residents, local businesses, and The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, participants receive both fresh and non-perishable food items. Each time the program operates, households receive a box containing essentials such as milk, eggs, bread, yogurt, fresh produce, and a meat protein. Participants can also select additional pantry staples from the shelves, including canned soups, pasta, cereal, baking supplies, and school snacks for children.

Some of the food available at the Wellesley Food Cupboard.

Once a month, participants receive a grocery gift card to help offset rising food costs. Families can also access diapers, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. For children celebrating birthdays, toys are available to help make the occasion special. Clothing and footwear are also offered on-site through the Wilmot & Wellesley Resource Centre. 

Who is using the program today

“I think people are quite surprised by how many people are using the program,” Christa says. “Fifty per cent of the people using the program are children.” 

Today, the Wellesley Food Cupboard supports about 37 households each time it operates—about 84 adults and 80 children. 

Christa says that when the program first began, it was primarily families who accessed it. Today, she says the need has broadened. 

“A lot of older adults, people on the Ontario Disability Support Program, and single-income households are probably the vast majority of who we’re supporting right now.” 

There are also unique challenges tied to rural living. 

“There are a lot of really beautiful farmhouses for rent, but in the winter those heating bills are really hard on a lot of incomes,” Christa explains. “Sometimes we just have families join us for the winter because of that reason.” 

Christa Gerber placing food on the shelves.

Challenging misconceptions

While rising food costs continue to make the program more expensive to run, Christa says one of the biggest ongoing challenges is addressing misconceptions about food insecurity. 

“I think there are a lot of negative and misunderstood perceptions of who uses a food bank and why they use a food bank,” she shares. “Being in a smaller community, I wish people would feel more comfortable coming forward when they need food assistance. I have heard people say, ‘I drove by on a Thursday night and saw a certain brand of vehicle in your driveway, and I think, oh boy, do these people really need help?’ It’s those stereotypes that stop people from using the food bank. If you’re having those thoughts, just take a minute and perhaps do a little research on your own to better understand who is using food banks in our communities and why they’re using food banks.” 

She adds, “We’re not here to judge people. We’re here to support people.” 

It’s a message rooted in both frustration and compassion. 

“It’s frustrating that, in this world, there are so many who have so much, and so many who have so little—and that we even have to have this type of program,” she says. “Everybody deserves food, an affordable house, and clean drinking water.” 

Despite the challenges of running the program, Christa says the work is deeply rewarding. She values the relationships she’s built and the people she’s met along the way. 

“I hope people who use the program feel the same way I do… that they’ve made some friends along the way and it helps them sleep a little easier at night.” 

The Wellesley Food Cupboard is one of 61 organizations in the Community Food Assistance Network. If you’d like to help The Food Bank support Network partners like the Wellesley Food Cupboard, visit our Get Involved section on our website to learn more about donating food, funds, or time.