Serve up hope this Thanksgiving: Help ensure no one goes hungry in Waterloo region

Waterloo Region, Ont., October 2, 2025 – As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a time for families and friends to come together, reflect on their blessings, and share a meal. But for more than 73,000 people in Waterloo region, a holiday meal is uncertain. This year, the community has the opportunity to help change that.

“For too many of our neighbours, simply putting food on the table each day is a struggle—let alone covering the extras for a special holiday meal. That’s why we’re inviting our community to come together and help serve up hope this Thanksgiving,” says Kim Wilhelm, CEO of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

The Food Bank is asking the community to help make sure every family has a meal to share. Thanks to a matching gift from Conestoga Meats, every dollar donated by October 13 will provide four healthy meals instead of two.

“Your generosity can make twice the difference–right now,” Wilhelm adds.

How to help

Donate food: The Food Bank is calling for non-perishable food donations, especially items like canned beans, dry pasta, soups, stews, and chili. These donations can be dropped off at local grocery stores or at police, fire, or paramedic stations across Kitchener-Waterloo.

Donate funds: Financial contributions can also be made online at thefoodbank.ca/thanksgiving, allowing The Food Bank to buy essential items for nutritious meals. Donations can also be made in person at 50 Alpine Court in Kitchener or by calling 519.743.5576. Normally, every dollar donated provided provides two healthy meals, but thanks to a matching gift by Conestoga Meats, that dollar now provides four meals. Donate by 11:59 p.m. on October 13 to double your impact.

Support community events: Community members can also participate in local events that support The Food Bank.

• Stuff a Bus: Heading to the Kitchener Rangers game on Friday, October 3? Bring non-perishable food or funds to help fill a Grand River Transit bus with donations for The Food Bank.
• Harvest Food Drive: On Saturday, October 4, visit any Sobeys or Zehrs store in Kitchener-Waterloo between noon and 4 p.m. with a cash donation. Funds raised will help The Food Bank buy fresh, nutritious food for neighbours in need.
• Grillefest: Celebrate Oktoberfest with Kitchener Council at Grillefest on Friday, October 10. Enjoy traditional sausages on fresh buns, with cold drinks and cookies—all for a minimum $5 donation to The Food Bank.
• Thanksgiving Day Parade: Bring cash or non-perishable food items for The Food Bank to the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade on Monday, October 13. Or make a financial contribution by texting PARADE to 30333.
• Concordia Club Community Appreciation Night: Join the Oktoberfest fun at Concordia Club on Wednesday, October 15. Volunteers from The Food Bank will be onsite to collect non-perishable food and financial (cash or card) donations, and a portion of the proceeds from event ticket sales will also support The Food Bank.

For a complete listing of events, visit thefoodbank.ca/events.

Volunteer time: Those looking to make a direct impact can volunteer at The Food Bank’s distribution centre or assist with an upcoming fundraising event. For volunteer opportunities after Thanksgiving, visit thefoodbank.ca/volunteer.

“Whether you donate food or funds, join a community event, or lend a hand as a volunteer, every bit of support makes a difference,” Wilhelm adds. “Together, we can make sure everyone in our community has a meal to enjoy this Thanksgiving.”

In Waterloo region, one in eight households relies on a food hamper program. Community support helps The Food Bank and its 54 partner organizations provide essential food to people in need—right here in the community. For more information, visit thefoodbank.ca.

About The Food Bank of Waterloo Region

Founded in 1984, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region (The Food Bank) was the first organization of its kind in Ontario dedicated to providing emergency food. Forty-one years after its incorporation, The Food Bank continues to evolve to meet the community’s needs, ensuring that no one in Waterloo region experiences hunger. As a distribution centre, The Food Bank distributes nearly nine million pounds of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food to 54 organizations within the Community Food Assistance Network. Learn more at thefoodbank.ca.

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Media contact

Michelle Rickard
Manager, Marketing and Communications
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region
micheller@thefoodbank.ca