Team Up challenges local youth teams to raise 30,000 meals as food bank use remains at record levels

Waterloo region, Ont., October 26, 2026 – The Cambridge Food Bank and The Food Bank of Waterloo Region are inviting local youth sports teams, clubs, and recreational groups to register for Team Up: 30 Days, 30,000 Meals, a month-long community challenge to help raise food and funds for neighbours facing food insecurity across Waterloo region.

For many households, food assistance is not a one-time need but an ongoing source of support. Through Team Up, young people can make a meaningful impact in their community by helping ensure food remains available for those who need it most.

Throughout November, hockey teams, soccer clubs, dance studios, martial arts groups, school teams, and other recreation organizations are encouraged to host food and fund drives in support of their local food bank. Together, participants aim to raise the equivalent of 30,000 meals for community members across Waterloo region.

“Sports teams know what it means to work together toward a common goal,” says Sarah Tooze, development manager, Cambridge Food Bank. “Team Up is an opportunity for athletes, coaches, parents, and supporters to turn that team spirit into meaningful community impact. Every donation helps ensure our neighbours can access the food they need.”

Participating teams will receive a campaign toolkit with promotional materials, fundraising ideas, and resources to help make their food or fund drive a success. Teams can compete for bragging rights while making a real difference for local families.

“When communities come together, incredible things can happen,” says Becky Riley, community events manager at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. “We know local sports organizations care deeply about giving back. Team Up offers a fun and accessible way for teams to support their neighbours while building team pride and community connection.”

Teams can register at trellis.org/teamup and host their drive any time during November. Both food and financial donations are encouraged, with every dollar helping food banks buy nutritious food and respond to changing community needs.

The campaign kicks off on November 1 and runs through November 30.

About the Cambridge Food Bank

The Cambridge Food Bank is dedicated to addressing food insecurity and promoting community well-being in Cambridge and North Dumfries. Guided by its core pillars, healthy people, connected community, and environmental sustainability, the organization strives to build health and belonging through food, education, and advocacy. Learn more at cambridgefoodbank.org.

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-two 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 more than 9.6 million pounds of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food to 61 organizations within the Community Food Assistance Network. Learn more at thefoodbank.ca.

Media contacts

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

Sarah Tooze
Development Manager
Cambridge Food Bank
stooze@thefoodbank.ca