From truck to table: How Phoenix Scheerer fuels the fight against hunger

At The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, our staff work tirelessly behind the scenes every day—securing and processing donations, organizing fundraising events and campaigns, sorting and storing food, and delivering orders to the 54 organizations in the Community Food Assistance Network. They also support our volunteers and collaborate with Network partners, all with one clear goal: to ensure no one in our community goes hungry.

Phoenix Scheerer in The Food Bank’s warehouse.

One of our dedicated team members is Phoenix Scheerer, who first joined The Food Bank in 2019 as a D-class driver, delivering food orders to Network partners throughout Waterloo region. Today, as an AZ driver, Phoenix travels throughout southwestern Ontario, often starting as early as 4 a.m. and going as far as Windsor to pick up generous donations from corporate donors. Each donation Phoenix brings back helps feed people in need, supporting not only The Food Bank’s Network partners but also food banks across southwestern Ontario through a unique program called Feed Collaboration.

Feed Collaboration is an initiative led by Feed Ontario in partnership with The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. It provides food producers—such as farmers, greenhouses, hydroponic growers, processors, manufacturers, and distributors—with a single, convenient channel to donate surplus and imperfect food to food banks across southwestern Ontario, including The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. The goal is simple but powerful: to keep perfectly good food from going to waste and ensure it reaches people facing hunger.

Phoenix’s early mornings and long drives are a vital part of getting food where it’s needed most.

“I like seeing southwestern Ontario,” Phoenix says. “I get to travel quite a bit and meet people from all different walks of life. I talk to those running programs that help people in need, as well as the individuals directly impacted by the food we provide. I also speak with the people who supply this food right from the source—farmers, truckers, distributors, and warehouse workers. I interact with many people on a day-to-day basis, all working to address this epidemic we’re facing.”

While Phoenix enjoys the chance to see more of Ontario and meet so many people, there’s one part of the job she doesn’t love: driving on Highway 401. Phoenix emphasizes that patience is essential—not only for herself, but for everyone sharing the road.

“Patience is key,” Phoenix explains. “My truck is heavy and doesn’t stop quickly. The brakes are very good, but when the truck is fully loaded, it’s even heavier. Give trucks space—it takes a lot of effort to bring them to a full stop. Visibility isn’t always great, even on a good day. We have enormous blind spots and have to stay constantly aware using our mirrors. If you don’t see our mirrors, we can’t see you. So just give us space and be patient.”

Phoenix Scheerer with one of the The Food Bank’s trucks.

Over her six years at The Food Bank, Phoenix has witnessed first-hand the rise in food insecurity. Right now, The Food Bank is seeing the highest need for food assistance in our 41-year history, with more than 73,600 people in Waterloo region accessing a food support program through the Network. In 2019, when Phoenix started, that number was 33,300.

“It doesn’t seem like the numbers are going down anytime soon,” Phoenix says. “It’s tough. It’s emotionally and mentally taxing… the sheer demand that we’ve been faced with.”

For Phoenix, it’s important that people see beyond the numbers. Behind every statistic are real people, and compassion and empathy should guide how we respond.

“Don’t judge a book by its cover,” Phoenix says. “Don’t judge someone who might look wealthier or more well off. Everyone has times of emergency. Food insecurity can affect anyone at any point in time and just because they drive a car or have a watch doesn’t mean they don’t need help. Everybody should have access to food.”

Like Phoenix, you can help ensure food reaches those who need it most. Visit our Get Involved page to learn more about supporting The Food Bank and our neighbours in need.