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Food Recovery program
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Fresh Approaches Food Centre
Perishable hamper line
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Fresh Approaches Food Centre
In our award-winning onsite food processing facility, known as the Fresh Approaches Food Centre, our dedicated volunteers safely repack and freeze large fresh food donations from farmers, restaurants, retailers, distributors, and manufacturers.
This innovative approach helps us:
- Reduce food waste by making the most of fresh donations
- Maximize food contributions from generous partners
- Ensure more nutritious food reaches people in need
It’s just one of the many ways we’re working to build a stronger, more sustainable food system for our community!
Our impact
Since opening in 2018, the Fresh Approaches Food Centre has processed over 551,000 pounds of fresh food—ensuring that more nutritious, perishable items reach people in need rather than going to waste.
None of this would be possible without the support of our generous food donors and dedicated volunteers who help keep this initiative running!
“The Fresh Approaches Food Centre has helped us provide a greater variety of high-quality, nutritious food to the community. We’re able to accept large donations of fresh produce, and whatever isn’t sent out right away is processed in the Fresh Approaches Food Centre. Here, we can chop, slice, dice, vacuum-seal, and freeze fresh foods—ensuring they’re available year-round, especially during the winter months when fresh options can be limited.”
Chelsea Frey
Fresh Approaches Coordinator
The Food Bank adheres to the Safe Food for Canadians Act (SFCA), Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) and provincial regulations, making it easy for you to donate to us with confidence.
Saving fresh. Feeding community. programs
Food Recovery program
Through our Food Recovery program, we partner with farmers, restaurants, retailers, distributors, and manufacturers to rescue perfectly good food that might otherwise go to waste. By redirecting this food, we help ensure that people in Waterloo region who are struggling to afford food have access to fresh, nutritious options.
Mobile Pantry
The Mobile Pantry brings food directly to neighbourhoods across Waterloo region, making it easier for individuals and families to access fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food from the Community Food Assistance Network. It’s all about meeting people where they are and ensuring everyone has access to the food they need.
Perishable hamper line
Volunteers keep things moving on an efficient assembly line, packing hampers with fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables. These hampers go to our partners in the Community Food Assistance Network, ensuring that people accessing food programs receive nutritious options.