Volunteers pack fresh hampers inside The Food Bank’s distribution centre.

Waterloo Region, Ont., April 20, 2026 – It’s National Volunteer Week, a time to celebrate the incredible people who make The Food Bank of Waterloo Region’s work possible—especially as the need for food assistance in the community remains at historic levels. Every day, The Food Bank’s volunteers help ensure people across the region can access the food they need.

“Volunteers are the driving force behind everything we do,” says Kim Wilhelm, CEO of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. “National Volunteer Week is our chance to recognize their amazing contributions and inspire more people to join us in making a difference for neighbours facing food insecurity.”

This year’s theme, Ignite Volunteerism, encourages everyone to get involved and experience the power of giving back. It’s especially meaningful as the United Nations has designated 2026 the International Volunteer Year—a reminder of how essential volunteers are in building strong, caring communities.

In 2024–2025, more than 4,800 volunteers contributed over 36,700 hours at The Food Bank—accepting and sorting donations, packing hampers, and helping deliver nutritious food to the 61 organizations in the Community Food Assistance Network. They also helped at community events, sharing information about food insecurity, collecting donations, and showing how those donations create real impact.

“When you add it all up, our volunteers’ hours are equivalent to 17.6 full-time staff,” Wilhelm adds. “We simply couldn’t do this work without them. Their dedication inspires us—and we hope it inspires others to get involved too.”

The Food Bank offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities for individuals, companies, and community groups who want to give back.

“Whether you’re sorting donations, packing hampers, delivering food to local organizations, helping at fundraising events, or lending your skills behind the scenes, there’s a role that can fit your schedule and interests,” explains Wilhelm. “Volunteering is a meaningful way to connect with your community, meet new people, and make a real difference for neighbours who rely on food assistance.”

To explore opportunities and sign up to volunteer, visit thefoodbank.ca/volunteer.

“Every hour you give helps strengthen our Network and ensures that more people in Waterloo region have access to nutritious food,” Wilhelm adds.

About The Food Bank of Waterloo Region

Founded in 1984, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region (The Food Bank) was the first organization of its kind in Ontario dedicated to providing emergency food. Forty-one years after its incorporation, The Food Bank continues to evolve to meet the community’s needs, ensuring that no one in Waterloo region experiences hunger. As a distribution centre, The Food Bank distributes 9.6 million pounds of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food to 61 organizations within the Community Food Assistance Network.

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Media contact

Michelle Rickard
Manager, Marketing and Communications
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region
micheller@thefoodbank.ca