Partner spotlight: Mennonite Central Committee Ontario

Helping neighbours in need is a community effort. At The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, we couldn’t support our community the way we do without the incredible generosity of organizations like Mennonite Central Committee Ontario (MCC Ontario). 

MCC Ontario has a long history of addressing food insecurity. In 1984, the organization, along with other community partners, helped start The Food Bank. For decades, it has also worked with international partners to provide canned meat to communities affected by disaster and conflict around the world. In 2025, MCC Ontario expanded its impact by opening a 10,000-square-foot meat cannery in New Hamburg, Ontario—creating new opportunities to help reduce food insecurity right here in Waterloo region. 

MCC Ontario’s meat cannery in New Hamburg.

Working together to support local families in need 

In March 2026, MCC Ontario and The Food Bank of Waterloo Region launched a new partnership to provide high-quality canned chicken to the one in nine households in Waterloo region that rely on food support through The Food Bank’s partners in the Community Food Assistance Network. 

“We approached The Food Bank of Waterloo Region because their trusted relationships with community groups enable them to efficiently distribute food to those who need it most,” says Michelle Brenneman, executive director of Mennonite Central Committee Ontario. 

That shared commitment to getting nutritious food to those who need it most is what brought the two organizations together. 

“This partnership with MCC Ontario is about more than just providing chicken. It’s about showing what’s possible when organizations in our community come together to meet a growing need,” explains Kim Wilhelm, CEO of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. “By working together, we can make a real difference for families who are struggling to put food on the table.” 

At The Food Bank, protein is one of the most in-demand—and most challenging—items to source. 

“Partnerships like this strengthen our supply chain and reduce pressure on our purchasing budget, allowing us to direct more resources toward fresh, perishable food,” says Brad Gutscher, food and facility operations director of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.  

MCC Ontario’s canned chicken.

A reliable source of protein for children and families 

With a five-year shelf life, MCC Ontario’s canned chicken is well suited for distribution through local food assistance programs. It’s easy to prepare and can be used in a wide variety of hearty, nutritious meals—making it a convenient and versatile option for families. 

“Protein is one of the most requested items by both our partner agencies and the families they support. It’s essential for healthy, balanced meals,” says Jaime Bickerton, agency and partner network relations director of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. “Shelf-stable protein like this chicken gives our partners flexibility for hampers, meal programs, and emergency support. It also gives families confidence when they cook, knowing they can stretch the chicken into soups, casseroles, salads, and other affordable dishes.” 

Nicole Marinelli, food procurement and distribution services manager of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region adds, “When we strengthen our central supply, we strengthen the entire Community Food Assistance Network. Every partner agency benefits, and that ripple effect reaches every household they service, ensuring children and families get the balanced, nutritious food they need.” 

The MCC Ontario team with The Food Bank team.

Made possible by community support 

This initiative is made possible through the generous support of the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation, which has committed $600,000 over three years. This funding will help provide 28,000 cans of chicken each year to families in need across the region. 

“Access to nutritious food is foundational to physical and mental well-being,” explains John Neufeld, CEO, of the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation. “We’re proud to support MCC Ontario as they collaborate with The Food Bank of Waterloo Region to provide high-quality protein to local families struggling with food insecurity.” 

That investment is already helping strengthen how food support is delivered across the region. 

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation. Their commitment gives us stability and predictability, which is critical for planning and supporting the network of community programs that individuals and families across our region depend on,” says Kim.  

Thank you, MCC Ontario, for helping ensure families in our community have access to protein they can rely on—and the dignity of preparing meals they can feel good about serving their children.