Draft:FoodBank of Waterloo Region
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The FoodBank of Waterloo Region is a non-profit community food assistance program that has served the Region of Waterloo since its inception in 1984.
History
[edit]The recession of the 1980s affected Waterloo Region adversely leading to unemployment and food insecurity. In response, the Kitchener Social Planning Council organized a committee to look for solutions to ameliorate the situation and provide relief. A food bank, a concept first developed in the United States, was one such proposal. In January 1984 the FoodBank opened in the basement of a house owned by the House of Friendship.[1] This made it the first institution of its kind in Ontario.[2]
Initially, the FoodBank supported six agencies in Waterloo Region.[3] The success of the FoodBank led to other municipalities seeking to develop their own foodbanks. Within a year, the FoodBank joined with others in the province to cooperate and pool resources. Alongside Toronto, Ottawa, Windsor, Barrie, and Montreal this allowed for food to be distributed greater distances and to share resources.[4]
By 2004, the FoodBank was operating out of its current location of 50 Alpine Court Kitchener. It had a budget of 1.3 million and 15 staff.[5] This made it the first institution of its kind in Ontario.[6]
In 2018, the FoodBank built a room designed for food processing.[7] The Fresh Approaches room allows the FoodBank to cut down on waste and extend the life of products that it receives. This also allows it to meet the demand for fresh produce in the Region.[8]
As of 2022, the FoodBank serves more than 120 agencies in the community.[9]
In December 2024, the FoodBank received 1.5 million in funding from the Region of Waterloo.[10]
Mission
[edit]The FoodBank is a non-profit community food assistance program which provides food for those who need it.[11] It operates as a central processing and distribution centre for the many food agencies it supports. The FoodBank relies on individual and corporate donations.[12] Corporate donors include the FoodBank in their special purchases, one provision of which is that the FoodBank not sell the food it receives.[13]
References
[edit]- ^ Etherington, Frank (18 December 2004). "The FoodBank Enigma". THE RECORD. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ "Foodbank success prompts expansion". Kitchener-Waterloo Record. 11 February 1985. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ Chronicle, Staff (29 January 1986). "Food promotion is more than just a hill of beans". Waterloo Chronicle. No. 4. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ Milne, Meg (10 May 1985). "Foodbanks joining forces". Kitchener-Waterloo Record. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ Etherington, Frank (18 December 2004). "The FoodBank Enigma". THE RECORD. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ "Foodbank success prompts expansion". Kitchener-Waterloo Record. 11 February 1985. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ Coppolino, Andrew. "Fresh and healthy foods help fill the hampers at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region". cbc.ca. CBC News. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
- ^ Groleau, Carmen. "More room for fresh food at Waterloo Region food bank". cbc.ca. CBC News. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
- ^ "Inflation cuts the Food Bank of Waterloo Region's buying power: $1 now only buys 2 meals". cbc.ca. CBC News. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
- ^ Fraser, Justine. "'A breaking point': 2024 a tough year for local food banks". kitchener.citynews.ca. CityNews. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
- ^ MacKinnon, Angie (28 November 1984). "Foodbank success a joy for the needy". Waterloo Chronicle. No. n0.47. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ Weidner, Johanna. "Food Bank of Waterloo Region marks 30 years of feeding families". therecord.com. Waterloo Region Record. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
- ^ Chronicle, Staff (29 January 1986). "Food promotion is more than just a hill of beans". Waterloo Chronicle. No. 4. Retrieved 18 May 2025.