Board member spotlight: Kevin Andrew Dopko

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, from supporting day-to-day operations to lending a hand at community events. But their impact doesn’t stop there. Volunteers also help lead the organization at the highest level, serving on The Food Bank’s Board of Directors.

One of those dedicated volunteers is Kevin Andrew Dopko, who joined the Board in 2023.

“I joined The Food Bank’s Board because it plays a critical role in supporting our community, especially for families facing difficult moments,” Kevin says. “Contributing to an organization that brings people together around such a basic need felt like a meaningful way to support the strength and dignity of our community.”

The Food Bank’s volunteer Board of Directors plays a critical role in guiding the organization’s mission and impact. Meeting throughout the year, Board members provide strategic oversight, governance, and financial stewardship, ensuring The Food Bank remains accountable and effective in its work to address food insecurity. Kevin currently serves as a director.

“Practically speaking, my role on the Board is to help The Food Bank stay strong and sustainable over the long term,” Kevin explains. “I bring a governance and financial perspective and spend a lot of time asking questions about strategy, risk, and where the organization is heading so it can continue delivering on its mission. It’s less about the day-to-day work and more about making sure the foundation is solid, resources are used wisely, and The Food Bank is well positioned to meet the growing needs of our community.”

He adds that serving on the Board often involves more depth and engagement than people might expect.

“I think people are often surprised by how much real work happens at the Board level,” he says. “It’s not just showing up to meetings. It’s a lot of discussion, asking hard questions, and thinking ahead about how today’s decisions affect the organization down the road. Most of it happens behind the scenes, but it’s critical to making sure The Food Bank can keep showing up for the community.”

Kevin Andrew Dopko.

Since joining the Board, Kevin says one of the most meaningful aspects has been the diversity of perspectives around the table.

“One of the biggest surprises for me has been how much you learn simply by listening to the perspectives around the table,” he shares. “Board members come from very different backgrounds, and everyone sees the challenge of food insecurity through a slightly different lens. Hearing from people who are closer to operations, community partners, or lived experience really deepens your understanding of what’s happening on the ground. It’s humbling and honestly inspiring. You realize how thoughtful and committed people are, and how much stronger decisions become when those different viewpoints are brought together.”

Serving on the Board has also reshaped how Kevin views food insecurity.

“This experience has made me much more in tune with how real and interconnected food insecurity is,” he says. “It’s no longer an abstract issue or statistic. You start to see how quickly circumstances can change for people and how important community support is in those moments. Being on the Board has helped me better appreciate the role thoughtful planning, partnerships, and care play in meeting basic needs, and how much of a difference it makes when a community shows up in a coordinated way.”

Despite the ongoing challenges, Kevin remains encouraged by what he sees across the Waterloo Region.

“What gives me hope is the level of awareness and support I see across the community,” he says. “Of course, I would love to see food insecurity decline, but in the meantime, it’s encouraging to see people step up. Individuals, businesses, and partners are donating, volunteering, and paying attention in a real way. That collective response matters. It shows that while the need is growing, so is the willingness to care for one another, and that gives me confidence in the future of both The Food Bank and our community.”

If Kevin’s story inspires you, there are many ways to get involved. Visit our Volunteer page to explore opportunities and discover how you can make a difference for people facing hunger in the Waterloo Region.