Community Food Assistance Network
Need food?
If your household needs emergency food help, wants more information, or needs a food hamper delivered, you can get in touch with us in a few ways:
- Call our Centralized Food Assistance Outreach line at 519.743.5576 extension 340. Our phone line is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, and closed on holidays and weekends. If you leave a message, we’ll get back to you within one business day.
- Email us at needfood@thefoodbank.ca.
- Chat with us online at thefoodbank.ca (look for the chat icon on the bottom right corner).
- Check out the Community Food Assistance Network map to find the food assistance program closest to you. If you’re a college or university student, reach out to your on-campus food support program. For more details, take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions section.
New evening hamper pickup service in Kitchener!
The Food Bank is excited to announce the launch of an evening hamper pickup service in Kitchener. Made possible through a new refrigerated locker system, this innovative service offers greater flexibility for individuals in need of emergency food assistance. To access the evening hamper pickup service, call our Centralized Food Assistance Outreach line at 519.743.5576 extension 340 or email needfood@thefoodbank.ca. Note: Priority will be given to households that are unable to access food hampers during regular hours.
The project is supported by a Food Banks Canada’s 2023 Access Grant.
Community Food Assistance Network map
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region functions as a distribution centre, so we don’t give out food directly from our location. Instead, we work with the Cambridge Food Bank to lead the Community Food Assistance Network. This means we acquire essential food items, fulfill orders, and distribute fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food to partner organizations across Waterloo region.
The Network consists of 54 organizations and 132 food assistance programs. Working together, these organizations address hunger by providing:
- Food hampers: Fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food
- Community meals: Nourishing meals for dine in or take out
- Nutritional outreach: Food packs or temporary cooking programs
- Shelter and residential meals: Prepared meals for shelter guests or supportive housing residents
The Network ensures that adults, children, and families in every city and township in Waterloo region have access to essential food support close to home.
Non-food community resources
- Kitchener-Waterloo (pdf)
- Cambridge and North Dumfries (pdf)
Frequently asked questions
How do I use the referral map?
- To see a bigger map, click on the View larger map icon located on the top right corner of the map.
- Once the map opens in the new tab or browser window, look for the Search icon. Click on it, and then type in your address. This will help you find the closest food assistance program to your location.
- Click any of the Map marker icons for more information about a program.
As a post-secondary student, where can I find food support?
If you’re struggling to afford enough food and find yourself skipping meals or cutting back on portion sizes, you’re not alone. Food assistance is available to help. If you’re a student, reach out to your on-campus program for support. Here’s how to get in touch with your university or college:
- University of Waterloo Students: Contact the WUSA Food Support Service. Go to their website and fill out the request form.
- Conestoga College Students: Get in touch with the SNAP service. Visit their website and send an email (CSIfoodbank@conestogac.on.ca) requesting support.
- Wilfrid Laurier University Students: Reach out to the Student Union Food Bank. Visit their website and complete the request form.
If you have any more questions, feel free to call us at 519.743.5576 extension 340. We’re here to help!
Does food assistance operate during the weekend?
On Saturdays and Sundays, there are meal programs happening all across the region. Here’s a list of the ones available:
Saturday
Ray of Hope Community Centre
659 King Street East, Kitchener
519.578.8018
Noon–1:30 p.m.
Food Not Bombs
Kitchener City Hall, 200 King Street West, Kitchener
4:30–5:30 p.m.
Vineyard
147 Elgin Street North, Cambridge
519.623.4639
6–8:30 p.m.
Sunday
Salvation Army Meal Program
Kitchener City Hall, 200 King Street West, Kitchener
Noon–1:30 p.m.
Ray of Hope Community Centre
659 King Street East, Kitchener
519.578.8018
4:30–6 p.m.
Vineyard
147 Elgin Street North, Cambridge
519.623.4639
11 a.m.–2 p.m.
What should I bring with me to get food?
When you go to a food hamper program, it’s helpful to bring a piece of ID for each person in your household, but it’s not mandatory. Also, remember to bring along some reusable bags to carry your food items.
What can I expect when I arrive at the program?
When you arrive, someone will welcome you and ask a few questions to help with the process. You can decide if you want to share your information or remain anonymous and still get food. It’s up to you!
What can I expect to get at a hamper program?
You can usually find fresh, frozen, and non-perishable items at these programs. They try to consider your household’s dietary needs.
Keep an eye out for “Best Before Dates” (BBD) on most food items. These dates aren’t expiration dates; they just indicate when the product is at its best quality. Here’s a guide on using food past its best before date.