Partnerships with purpose: How Rebecca Jeschke helps strengthen food assistance across 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 Rebecca Jeschke, who joined The Food Bank in 2021 as a network support coordinator.

Rebecca’s passion for food systems began long before her career at The Food Bank.

“Growing up working in farming and agritourism sparked my interest in food systems and the role food plays in our communities,” Rebecca explains. “As I learned more, I became interested in the social and political factors that influence who can access nutritious food and who cannot. Working at The Food Bank felt like a natural next step, as it gives me the opportunity to work alongside organizations that are helping more people access the food they need.”

Today, Rebecca serves as our capacity building specialist, supporting the 61 organizations that make up the Network. Through relationship-building, partnership development, and collaboration, she helps Network partners strengthen and expand food assistance services for people experiencing food insecurity across Waterloo region.

“A typical day includes conversations with existing and potential partners about responding to demand,” she says. “I have the opportunity to listen, learn, and think from a Network-wide perspective about how an individual can be supported by multiple services.”

Rebecca Jeschke talking on the phone with a Network partner.

Food insecurity is about more than food

One of the things that surprised Rebecca most after joining The Food Bank was realizing that food insecurity is often just one piece of a much larger puzzle.

“The need for food support is what brings people through the door, but the stories behind that need are often about housing, health, income, and circumstances beyond someone’s control,” she shares. “That changed the way I think about both the problem and the solutions.”

It’s also why Rebecca is passionate about helping people understand the broader role the Network plays in supporting individuals and families. In addition to providing food, many Network partners also offer other essential services, like mental health support, employment assistance, and housing services.

“Food insecurity is about more than food—it’s connected to housing, health, income, and social well-being,” she says. “Across the Network, organizations work together every day to help people address some of the complex challenges they face.”

Rebecca Jeschke looking at the Community Food Assistance Network map.

Looking ahead with hope

Today, nearly 73,000 people in Waterloo region are accessing food assistance through the Network. Looking ahead, Rebecca hopes for a future where fewer people need emergency food support in the first place.

“That means stronger income supports, more affordable housing, and policies that help people meet their basic needs,” she says. “I also hope to see continued investment in community organizations and the partnerships that make local responses possible.”

Despite the challenges facing our community, Rebecca finds hope in the people who come together every day to support our neighbours.

“Over time, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know many of our partners personally,” she shares. “I know their faces, and they know mine. Those relationships are built on trust, kindness, and a shared commitment to supporting our community. While our collective efforts reach tens of thousands of individuals each year, what lies behind those numbers is people showing up for one another every day, recognizing that the hopes, fears, and challenges our neighbours face are not theirs alone, but reflections of challenges we share as a community. That willingness to care, rather than look away, is what stays with me. It reflects the very best of who we are, and I feel incredibly lucky to work alongside so many caring people who make this Network what it is.”

Like Rebecca, 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.