Fresh Approaches: Fall 2025

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Letter from Kim

Dear Neighbour, 

You may not see your name in this newsletter, but your impact is woven into every single story.  

You make it possible for us to partner with vital agencies like oneROOF Youth Services. Your donations help to fill our warehouse with food that people like Thien and David—and thousands of other volunteers—help us sort for distribution. And you’re the reason that hungry neighbours in Waterloo region can get the nourishment they need and deserve.  

A staggering 1 in 8 households in our community now rely on our help. We can provide the support they need, because of you. Your kindness and generosity are making a critical difference during these challenging times when more people are struggling to put food on the table than ever before.  

The impact of your support is felt throughout our community, and each donation and every action in support of those facing food insecurity in Waterloo region creates positive change that touches so many lives. 

As we head into the season of cozy holiday meals, please know how thankful I am that you are committed to helping us fill plates—and hearts.  

Warmly,  

Kim Wilhelm 

CEO

From gratitude to giving back  

Thien’s journey 

When Thien was just a teenager, both his parents fell seriously ill and could no longer work. Within a year, their savings were gone and there simply wasn’t enough money to feed the family.  

Fortunately, they were introduced to the Community Food Assistance Network, supported by The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. For six months, food assistance provided critical support to Thien and his family, helping them put meals on the table.  

“We didn’t know these programs existed,” explains Thien. “Thankfully someone told us about them, because they helped our family tremendously during some dire times.” 

Thien never forgot the support his family received—or what it meant to them. Now, 30 years later, he has chosen to give back to the organization that helped his family all those years ago.  

A successful real estate broker, Thien rallied his colleagues to take part in this year’s Great Food Sort Challenge, our annual event to help fight hunger and sort non-perishable food for those in need.  

Thien’s team sorted an astounding 2,163 pounds of food and raised more than $6,100—the highest of any team. Between the food they sorted and the money they raised, Thien and his team provided 14,164 meals for members of our community who are struggling with food insecurity. 

“I’m glad that The Food Bank has these events, “Thien says. “It was a great team-building event and a great way to start off the new year.”  

Thien is already looking forward to next year’s Great Food Sort Challenge, and hopes he and his team will be able to make an even bigger impact for those in need.  

“Everybody wins at the end of the day when the community comes together like this,” Thien says.  

We couldn’t agree more.  

There wouldn’t be food for volunteers like Thien to sort without your generosity. Thank you for caring about our neighbours struggling with food insecurity. 

Inspired to do more to fight hunger 

After participating in our Food Engagement program that allows community and corporate groups to volunteer in our warehouse, work as a team, and give back to the community, David B. knew he wanted to do more. 

Seeing the sheer volume of food that The Food Bank of Waterloo Region sends into the community—and knowing how many hungry people that food was going to help—was all it took to convince David to become a member of EAT 365, our monthly donor community. 

“Being a monthly donor provides consistency to The Food Bank,” David explains. “It provides reliable funding to a good organization that’s helping people in the community.” 

In fact, that first experience was so powerful, David returned to The Food Bank for another food sorting activity three years later, this time with his daughter’s hockey team. 

“It reconfirmed the need for food assistance in this community,” he says, “as well as the benefit of our monthly giving.” 

Thanks to generous monthly donors like David, EAT 365 was able to provide more than two million meals for people in Waterloo region in need of food assistance last year. 

You’re helping to feed young people through oneROOF Youth Services

Food insecurity impacts people of all ages, including some of the most vulnerable in our community. That’s why it’s critical for The Food Bank of Waterloo Region to partner with organizations like oneROOF Youth Services. 

A vital resource for youth aged 12 to 25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, oneROOF provides comprehensive support including employment and education programming, mental health and addiction services, counselling, shelter, and supportive housing. But it’s also able to provide vital food assistance, thanks to you. 

The organization’s weekly hamper program, filled with food received from The Food Bank, means young people in need can get food items they may not otherwise be able to afford, such as dry and canned goods, frozen meals and proteins, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. 

In addition to the hamper program, oneROOF also offers a daily meal program that enables young people in need have to hot dinners and to-go lunches throughout the week. 

Food is fuel, and it’s critical for young people to have the nourishment they need—and the dignity they deserve—so they have a chance to grow, learn, and thrive. Your support of The Food Bank helps to make that possible. 

oneROOF Youth Services is one of 54 organizations in the Community Food Assistance Network that receives support from The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, thanks to your generous donations.