Food4Kids opens its doors to the community May 26

Food4Kids Waterloo Region is excited to finally be able to open its doors to the community.

An open house is being hosted next week by the non-profit agency that provides bags packed with healthy food to nearly 1,000 children living with chronic hunger. The food is provided every weekend during the school year as well as during school holidays to ensure children have enough to eat when they don’t have access to school food programs.

“We’re really hoping to bring more awareness to the community about what we’re doing,” said Jenn Birnstihl, marketing co-ordinator.

Unfortunately, many are still surprised to hear about the organization — which is celebrating its fifth anniversary — and the huge need in the community for the free food packages.

“Whenever we’re able, we add more kids,” Birnstihl said. “We are slowly whittling away our wait list.”

More schools want to join the program, and existing schools want to add more students. Currently, about 935 students at 49 schools across the region receive food bags.

Food4Kids moved into its new Kitchener location in January 2021, but couldn’t welcome in visitors due to pandemic restrictions. Now people can come in to see the organization’s “very complex, well-oiled machine.” The open house will be a packing day where volunteers fill up bags with a variety of healthy foods.

“Visitors can pack a food bag,” Birnstihl said. “They’ll get to see all the food and will get to see how we do it.”

People will be available to answer questions about the program and process, including speaking to volunteer drivers who load all the bins into their vehicles to deliver to schools.

“It’s like a puzzle,” Birnstihl said.

She’s hoping seeing the operation will inspire people to join in the effort, either volunteering, donating or talking to others about the organization’s mission.

“We’re just really excited to show the community what we’re doing,” Birnstihl said.

It is also kicking off the “Feed a Kid This Summer” fundraising campaign with the goal of raising $250,000 to feed children all summer long. Families registered in the program will get a delivery every week, rotating between fresh produce one week and grocery staples and a grocery card the next week.

The open house is Thursday, May 26, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 10 Washburn Dr., unit 4, in Kitchener.

People are asked to register if possible. A time slot for a guided tour can also be booked at food4kidswr.ca.