Support The Food Bank of Waterloo Region’s holiday giving campaign to fight hunger

Waterloo Region, Ont., November 28, 2025 – December marks the start of the holiday season—a time when families and friends come together, share traditions, and enjoy meals that bring comfort and joy. But for many people in Waterloo region, a holiday meal is far from certain.

“As we enter the holiday season, a time meant for joy and connection, the reality for many in our community is much different,” says Kim Wilhelm, CEO at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. “The need for food assistance continues to grow, with thousands of individuals and families unsure where their next meal will come from. Together, we can ensure everyone in our community has access to the food they need—not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.”

How to get involved

GivingTuesday: On December 2, make GivingTuesday unforgettable and help The Food Bank raise 300,000 meals. Every donation helps fill the Mobile Pantry with fresh, healthy food—just in time for the holidays. Financial contributions can be made online at thefoodbank.ca/givingtuesday. Normally, every dollar provides two healthy meals, but thanks to a $40,000 matching gift from OpenText, that dollar now provides four meals. Donate by 11:59 p.m. on December 2 to double the impact!

Donate food: The Food Bank is calling for non-perishable food donations—especially items like cereal, granola bars, and pasta—which can be dropped off at local grocery stores or at police, fire, or paramedic stations across Kitchener-Waterloo.

Donate funds: Donate funds to help The Food Bank continue its mission of providing food to those in need. Donations can be made online at thefoodbank.ca/holidaygiving, in person at 50 Alpine Court, Kitchener, or by phone at 519.743.5576. Donate before December 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. to receive a 2025 tax receipt.

Loblaw Feed More Families^TM Holiday Food Drive: On December 6, from noon to 4 p.m., volunteers with The Food Bank will be collecting non-perishable food and cash donations at participating Loblaw-owned stores in Kitchener-Waterloo. The grocery chain is matching cash donations up to $100,000 until December 24.

Host a food and fund drive: Hosting a food and fund drive is an effective way for community groups, workplaces, schools, and faith organizations to support The Food Bank. These drives help keep shelves stocked with the most-needed items and raise funds that allow The Food Bank to source and distribute fresh, nutritious food across the Community Food Assistance Network. From workplace challenges to classroom initiatives and neighbourhood collections, every drive helps ensure individuals and families facing food insecurity can access the support they need. Register food and fund drives at thefoodbank.ca/ffd.

Attend an event: December sees a range of events in support of The Food Bank, including Make the Season Kind, Gift of Lights, and the Kitchener Rangers game on December 19. Details about these events and others can be found at 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, visit thefoodbank.ca/volunteer.

“Every act of generosity—whether it’s food, funds, or time—truly matters,” adds Wilhelm. “This holiday season, as more people face food insecurity, our community’s support is more important than ever. Every contribution helps ensure individuals and families can share a meal and feel the joy of the season.”

In Waterloo region, one in nine households relies on a food hamper program for enough to eat. Non-perishable food donations and financial contributions help The Food Bank support the 61 partner organizations in the Network, ensuring essential food reaches people across the region.

For more information, please 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 9.6 million pounds of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food to 61 organizations within the Community Food Assistance Network.

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Media contact

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