Food Registration

Kitchener-Waterloo– no registration required

What’s different about Christmas food support this year in Kitchener and Waterloo?

• There is no centralized Christmas food delivery or hamper program in Kitchener and Waterloo so you do not need to register for Christmas food support.
• For food support this December, connect to your local Emergency Food Program.
• Programs offer many types of food but exact items vary by day and location throughout December.
• To allow us to support more people, we can no longer offer gift cards and can’t guarantee a turkey for everyone.
• Because we support thousands of people, we cannot share details about when or where certain food items, like turkeys, will be available.
• Food programs are open throughout December — no rush to visit on a specific day.

Where can I get emergency food assistance in December?

• Continue visiting your local food assistance program if you already use one.
• To find a program near you:
• Visit ca/findfood which includes a map with program boundaries
• Email needfood@thefoodbank.ca
• Call 519.743.5576 extension 340
• If you can’t find a neighbourhood program, anyone who lives in Kitchener and Waterloo can visit House of Friendship’s Emergency Food Hamper Program at 807 Guelph St, Kitchener, open Monday–Friday, 9:30 am – 4 pm (closed on holidays).
• In December, please be prepared for busy programs and longer wait times.

What if I already use a weekly neighbourhood food program?

• Most neighbourhood programs are open in December. You can ask programs for their December schedule.
• If possible, please use your neighbourhood program in December to get food support.

What should I bring when visiting a food program?

• Bringing ID for each household member is very helpful but not required.
• If possible, please bring reusable bags to carry your food.

What if I cannot go to a program in person?

• Ask a friend for support to pick up food
• Contact The Foodbank of Waterloo Region to ask about options for delivery and evening pick up at needfood@thefoodbank.ca or 519.743.5576 extension 340

How can I find food assistance outside of December?

• You can get food assistance all year – you don’t have to wait for December or Christmas to get support
• To find food near you at any time of year:
• Visit ca/findfood
• Email needfood@thefoodbank.ca
• Call 519.743.5576 extension 340 (Centralized Food Assistance Outreach line)

Thank you for your understanding and patience as programs work to support everyone who needs food this December.

Frequent Questions

Q: What is included in the Christmas Food Program?

Food is the focus.  Gift cards will not be part of Christmas food support. Exact food items available, including turkeys, will vary by site and day.

Q: Who can receive support?
Anyone who is living on a low income in Waterloo Region and self identifies their need. We will not require proof of income status but optional demographic questions about your source of income will be asked.

*Receiving support from the Christmas Food Program will not impact your ability to receive other supports during the Christmas season such as your weekly neighbourhood food distribution. *

Q: How to register?
In Kitchener and Waterloo, there is no central Christmas food delivery or pick up program so you do not need to register. For food support this December, connect to your local Emergency Food Program in Kitchener or Waterloo. To find food assistance near you at any time:

• Visit thefoodbank.ca/findfood
• Email needfood@thefoodbank.ca
• Call 519.743.5576 extension 340 (Centralized Food Assistance Outreach line)

Q: We are two different families or two different individuals in the same address, can we get two separate Christmas hampers?

Yes, if two different households live in the same address, you may receive food support separately. We define a household as a group of people who generally share meals together.

REGISTRATION

Woolwhich and Wilmot close November 20^th

Salvation Army Registration for Toys opens November 3

Q: I am not on OW or ODSP. Can I still receive support?
Yes. You can still receive support for the Christmas Program if you are not on OW or ODSP.

Q: I am retired and receiving a pension. Can I still receive support?
Yes. People on Old Age Pension can receive Emergency Food Support.

Q: Can I still receive support if I do not live in the Waterloo Region?
No. We only serve Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge (including Ayr and North Dumfries), Wilmot, Wellesley and Woolwich. People who live in other cities and towns should apply to their food banks for food assistance.

Q: I forgot where my pick-up appointment is, how can I find out?
If you are registered to receive support from any of the agencies in the Christmas Support Network, please connect with them directly. There is no longer a central phone line or email answering general questions.

PICKUP/DELIVERY

Q: I have a mobility barrier can a food hamper be delivered?
If you can’t access a program in person evening pick up and delivery are available via The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.  Find out more about food delivery and evening pick up options https://www.thefoodbank.ca/find-food/

If you need food outside of Christmas time, these programs are available all year long.

Q: What do I need to bring with me to pick up my Food pickup?
When you go to a food hamper program, it’s helpful to bring a piece of identification for each person in your household, but it’s not mandatory. Also, remember to bring along some reusable bags to carry your food items

Q: Where is the toy pick up location in Kitchener and Waterloo?

Pickups will happen at 75 Tillsley Drive, Kitchener. During registration you will sign up for a gift appointment time.

Q: Where is the toy pick up location in Cambridge?
Toys and gifts can be picked up at 12 Shade Street, Cambridge.  The entrance will be at the back of the building and there will be signage directing you to the correct entrance.

Q: Where are the food pick up locations in Kitchener and Waterloo and Cambridge?
https://www.thefoodbank.ca/find-food/

Q: Can I pick up for my friend or neighbour?
Yes, you can pick up items for your friend or neighbour. Please bring a piece of identification for all members of their household.

Q: When can I get a Food Hamper?

If you have questions about food, call the Cambridge Food Bank at 519-622-6550.

Q: Who do I contact if I missed my appointment to pick up my turkey and gift card?
Please contact the agency you have registered with directly.

OTHER QUESTIONS

Q: I have guests for Christmas, can I get food for them?
No. We only provide Christmas support to a person or family who resides with you.

Q: We are two different families or two different individuals in the same address, can we get two separate Christmas hampers?
Yes, if two different households live in the same address, you may register for Christmas Support separately. We define a household as a group of people who generally share meals together.

Q: Where can I get Christmas meals during Christmas time?
There are a number of groups that provide Christmas meals during the holiday season.  They are not affiliated with the Christmas Support Network.  Have a look at Ontario 211 for information on community meals.

Q: How can I help?  I want to donate, volunteer or sponsor a family!
You can help in a variety of ways!  Please refer to our How to Help Section for more information.

Cambridge

No registration required for Cambridge Foodbank, registration information below for Cambridge FireFighters Basket Fund

Cambridge Foodbank

This year, the Cambridge Food Bank is making it simple for everyone to receive holiday support. Families and individuals can pick up a holiday hamper that includes a turkey roll, ham, or chicken (halal chicken available).

To receive your hamper, just visit the Cambridge Food Bank at 54 Ainslie St. South during our regular hours in December:

• Mondays: 12:00–6:30 pm
• Tuesday–Friday: 9:00–4:30 pm

No registration is needed. Please bring identification and bags to carry your hamper.

Each hamper includes holiday food items to help make your season special. For more details, visit: cambridgefoodbank.org/community-pantry.

Cambridge Fire Fighters Registration

Registration will be held at Kinbridge Community Association (200 Christopher Drive), in the front lounge, from November 5-7.

Registration will be open from 9-3pm until we have reached our capacity of 500 families.

Please ensure you bring proof of members in the household (drug card if on OW and ODSP).  Low income families must provide proof of income and must be under LICO”.

Toys Registration

This year toy Registration will be done directly through the Salvation Army Kitchener and Cambridge. To register and find out more, go to their website

Kitchener: Registration opens November 3^rd, directly through this link Community & Family Services | The Salvation Army

Cambridge: Registration opens November 3^rd, directly through this link

Q: Can I get toys for my kids?
Toys are provided to families with children aged 15 and under. At this time, we are only able to offer toys to the primary parent/guardian. Primary Parent is a term to describe the parent who has the most parenting time with the child(ren) after separation.  If there is equal parenting only one registration per child can be accepted at this time.

Q: How do I get toys for my children in Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge?
Toys will be available from the Salvation Army.  You can schedule an appointment to pick up toys when you register to receive support directly through their website.

Q: I have my grandchildren over for Christmas/ I know a grandma/grandpa who needs gifts for their grandchildren. Can I get toys for them?
If the grandparents are the legal guardians for the children, yes, the Salvation Army can assist them with gifts. If they are not the legal guardians, no we unfortunately cannot accommodate.