From warehouse to community: How Myleen Ugalino-Racho helps feed Waterloo region

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 61 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. 

One of our dedicated team members is Myleen Ugalino-Racho, who joined The Food Bank in 2021. As a warehouse associate, Myleen works alongside volunteers, accepting donations, building food orders for Network partners, and helping set up the perishable hamper line. 

“I work mostly in perishables,” Myleen explains. “I work with volunteers, build orders for different agencies, receive fresh and dry donations from our regular donors, and help set up the hamper line on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.” 

Myleen Ugalino-Racho in The Food Bank’s distribution centre.

In the warehouse 

One of the biggest challenges she faces is navigating the limited space in our warehouse. In 2000, when The Food Bank first moved to our current location at 50 Alpine Court in Kitchener, we distributed 2.8 million pounds of food to 40 food programs, helping 26,000 people in need. Now, 26 years later, that same space is busier than ever. From July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, The Food Bank distributed 9.6 million pounds of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food—over three times more than when we first moved in—to 120+ food assistance programs in the Network, supporting nearly 73,000 people. 

“Work can be overwhelming at times, especially during the busy season, when limited cooler space makes it difficult to fit all the skids of perishables,” she shares. 

Still, one of the things Myleen enjoys most about her work is connecting with volunteers. 

“The most rewarding part of my job is working with our incredible volunteers—from building pallets and picking orders to sorting food and preparing hampers for distribution—to help ensure community members facing food insecurity receive the support they need,” she says. 

Myleen Ugalino-Racho operating a pump truck.

The growing need 

Throughout her time at The Food Bank, Myleen has seen the rise in food insecurity firsthand. Right now, one in nine households in Waterloo region is accessing a food support program through the Network. In 2021, when Myleen started, it was one in 20. 

“We’ve seen a surge in demand due to the affordability crisis,” Myleen explains. “More individuals and families are relying on The Food Bank.” 

She adds, “I wish the public knew that the majority of people accessing food or help are working families and individuals struggling with the rising cost of living.” 

Her message to the community is simple: 

“Fighting hunger is an act of justice and humanity. Be considerate. Be kind.” 

Like Myleen, you can help ensure food assistance is available for those who need it. Visit our Get Involved page to learn more about supporting The Food Bank and our neighbours in need.