Ontario

Waterloo

Affordable Food

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Affordable Food

Food bank

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region supports the Community Food Assistance Network, which includes over 120 agencies and community programs. (The Food Bank does not provide food from its location.)

The food banks in Waterloo Region offer fresh, frozen, and non-perishable items are typically available. Programs do their best to meet dietary considerations for your household.

Food support is provided to the Community Food Assistance Network, which consists of 54 organizations and 132 food assistance programs. Together, these organizations provide food hampers, community meals, and nutritional outreach services to those who are experiencing food insecurity.

Food assistance is available to people unable to afford the food they need.

Students in Waterloo Region can get support from their on-campus program. Use the following information to contact the university or college you are attending for support. If you have questions call 519-743-5576 extension 340.

Food banks

When you visit a food bank, you will be greeted and be asked to answer some optional intake questions.

If comfortable, please bring a piece of ID for each household member when you visit the food bank. (This is not required.) Also remember to bring along some reusable bags to carry your food items.

You can get food assistance services and information a few ways:

  1. For information on food assistance services in Waterloo region or to ask about food hamper deliveries, call the Centralized Food Assistance Outreach line at 519-743-5576 extension 340. The line is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, but closed on holidays and weekends. Messages are answered within one business day.
  2. You can also email [email protected].
  3. You can chat online at thefoodbank.ca (look for the chat icon on the bottom right corner of their webpage).
  4. Check out the Community Food Assistance Network map to find the food assistance program closest to you. For more details, take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions section.

For Post-secondary students

Other available supports

  • Easy Eats from The Pregnancy Centre at 519-886-4001
  • Pet foods from The Humane Society of Kitchener-Waterloo

Last updated: January 24, 2025