About Us:
The Cambridge Food Bank offers food and support to people and community groups in need within Cambridge and North Dumfries.
We encourage self-reliance through programs and services.
Mission Statement: Building health and belonging through food.
Our Vision: A compassionate, equitable community, where everyone is nourished.
We strive to:
History & Hunger
The Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank first opened its doors in 1985 in response to a severe economic recession. At the time, the only available help for Cambridge residents was church based programs and soup kitchens.
The Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank serves the City of Cambridge and Township of North Dumfries, which together have a population of approximately 145,000. Over 1,600 individuals and families are helped each month, and we distribute food to 26 community organizations.
This Food Bank believes that a person’s dignity and self-respect are paramount and that everyone has something valuable to contribute. We work to overcome the stigma of utilizing a food bank. Our goal is to have everyone walking out feeling better than when they came in.
The Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank is a member of FeedOntario and Food Banks Canada. We are also an integral part of the Waterloo Region Community Food Assistance Network.
Land Acknowledgement
The Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank, and the community we serve, is situated on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples. Today, this land is home to Indigenous people from across Turtle Island.
The Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank is on Dish With One Spoon territory. In living, working and gathering on this land, we have a responsibility to honour the Dish With One Spoon Wampum, an agreement made long ago between the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee. It is our responsibility to peacefully share what we have with our community, to take only what we need, and to keep the land and water clean for future generations.
Offsite Locations and Hours
We currently run 3 pickup locations. These follow an alternating A and B week schedule. Emergency food hampers can be picked up at an off-site without prior notice. New Food Co-operative members should visit our Ainslie Street location on any Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. or Friday at 1:00 p.m. to sign up as members.
Please give us a call to find out which week we will be bringing the Food Bank to a location near you!
Preston: St. John’s Anglican Church
567 Queenston Rd.
“A” Week – Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Hespeler: St. Andrew’s Church
73 Queen St. E.
“B” Week – Thursdays from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
North Dumfries
92 Northumberland St, Ayr
“B” Week – Wednesdays from 12 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
