Sponsor Spotlight: Ammar’s

Helping neighbours in need is a community effort. Here at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, we couldn’t support our community the way we do without the incredible generosity of local businesses like Ammar’s, a family-run halal butcher shop in Kitchener that has been serving the community for over 20 years.

“Ammar’s is a trusted name in the Kitchener-Waterloo community, providing high-quality halal meats for over 20 years,” says Faaez Al-hendi, the vice president of operations at Ammar’s. “We focus on ethically sourced, fresh, and local meats while ensuring our customers receive the best service. Whether you’re looking for premium cuts, marinated specialties, or budget-friendly options, we have something for everyone.”

Ammar’s is not only committed to providing quality meats—they’re also dedicated to giving back. Since 2021, Ammar’s has been a valued food industry partner of The Food Bank, providing us with halal food at a discounted rate. With the region continuing to grow and the need for diverse cultural food continuing to increase, we couldn’t be more grateful for their generosity. To date, they have provided us with over 200,000 pounds of halal chicken and beef.

The Food Bank CEO, Kim Wilhelm, with the Ammar’s team.

The Food Bank CEO, Kim Wilhelm, with the Ammar’s team.

“Food security is something we deeply care about,” Faaez explains. “We believe that everyone—regardless of their circumstances—should have access to nutritious, high-quality food. Providing halal options ensures that everyone in our diverse community, including those with dietary restrictions, can receive food that aligns with their needs. Supporting The Food Bank allows us to make a direct impact and give back to the community that has supported us for years.”

In addition to being one of our food industry partners, Ammar’s also supports our Food & Fund Drive program through sponsorship. If you’ve ever organized or donated to a food and fund drive, you might have seen the Ammar’s logo on our bags and boxes.

Food and fund drive bag and box.

Food and fund drive bag and box.

“The work that The Food Bank does is truly inspiring, and we want to be part of the solution to food insecurity,” Faaez says. “Sponsoring the Food & Fund Drive program aligns with our values of generosity and community care. We see firsthand how much need there is, and this is our way of making a meaningful difference.”

For Ammar’s, partnering with The Food Bank has been a positive experience.

“Knowing that our contributions are helping families put food on their tables is incredibly rewarding,” Faaez shares. “Seeing the impact of our donations and knowing that we’re providing culturally appropriate food options for those in need makes it all worthwhile. We encourage others in the food industry to get involved and support this important cause.”

If you’d like to shop at Ammar’s, visit their store located at 317 Lancaster St. W in Kitchener or browse their products online. Be sure to sign up for Ammar’s Rewards program and follow them on social media at @ammarsmarket for weekly flyer specials and savings.

Looking for a simple, hearty meal idea? Try this Spiced Blade Steak with Ginger & Berbere recipe from Ammar’s.

“One of our best budget-friendly options is beef blade steak,” Faaez says. “It’s versatile, affordable, and can be used in many recipes.”

A fusion of East African and Asian flavors

Ingredients:
  • 2 blade steaks (about 1.5 pounds)
  • 1 tbsp oil (for searing)
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp honey (or brown sugar)
  • 1 tsp berbere spice (or substitute with ½ tsp paprika + ¼ tsp cayenne + ¼ tsp allspice)
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp coriander
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth (or water)
Instructions:
  1. Marinate the steak: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, berbere spice, turmeric, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Rub the marinade onto the blade steaks and let sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
  2. Sear the steak: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear each steak for 2 minutes per side until browned, then remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until soft and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
  4. Slow cook: Pour in the beef broth and return the blade steaks to the pan. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 2.5-3 hours until fork-tender (adding water if needed). Or cook in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Slice the tender steak and serve with jollof rice, chapati, or steamed jasmine rice. Drizzle the sauce over the top for extra flavor.
Tips:
  • If you like heat, add a teaspoon of chili paste or extra berbere spice!
  • For a full meal, serve with sautéed greens or a simple cucumber and tomato salad.

To learn more about The Food Bank’s sponsorship opportunities and how your business can help ensure no one in our community goes hungry, visit our website or contact our development officers, Shannon Jaklitsch at shannonj@thefoodbank.ca and Chris White at chrisw@thefoodbank.ca.

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