Make a Difference in Cambridge Ontario, Canada
Running a food drive for the Cambridge Food Bank is a wonderful way to help those in need in your community. Not only does it provide much-needed food for people who are struggling, but it can also have a range of other benefits for both individuals and organizations.
Whether you’re an individual or part of a larger organization, organizing a food drive is a simple yet powerful way to help those in need, foster a sense of community, encourage philanthropy, build relationships with local organizations, and promote sustainability.
Anyone can run a food drive, at any time of year, and no amount is too small.
Should you need assistance, please call Brandee at 519-622-6550 ext 105 or email the Cambridge Food Bank Distribution Centre
Get Started
Step 1: Looking to get started on your food drive? We’re happy to help! Let us know about your food drive by clicking the blue Register Your Food Drive form on this page. We will get in touch with you to arrange drop off or pick up for larger donations.
Step 2: Click the green How to Guide button on this page to access details on how to run a food drive and for some posters to customize and print.
Step 3: Click the blue Posters and Graphics button to access some posters that you can modify to print or post on your socials. Don’t forget to tag @cambfoodbank when you post.
Step 4: When your donation is dropped off or picked up, be sure to ask for a picture and email it to info@cambridgefoodbank.org and we might be able to share it in our socials. If you post it online, tag @cambfoodbank.
FAQ's
Why should I register my food drive?
Registration enables us to stay informed about community events including food drives and fundraisers. This information helps us to anticipate the amount of food donations that will be coming in, and to adjust our resources accordingly. By registering, you will also receive support from us, including valuable information, promotional materials, and other resources to help ensure that your efforts translate into the greatest possible assistance for our community. Finally, registration allows us to acknowledge and recognize the important work being done by individuals and organizations like yours, and to inspire others to join us in our mission to help those in need. Click here to register
What are the most needed items?
While all food items are appreciated, we currently have a greater need for the following items:
- Peanut butter and sandwich spreads
- Canned meat and fish
- Breakfast foods including cereal (hot/cold) and pancake mix
- Grains including rice, dry pasta, and gluten-free options
- Canned fruit and school snacks
These items are in high demand and will greatly benefit the individuals and families who rely on our services. We are deeply grateful for any donations that you can provide, and we assure you that they will go towards helping those in need in our community. Click here to posters with our most needed items.
Can I donate perishable items?
Yes you can! Fruits, vegetables, dairy, eggs, and frozen meats are most welcomed donations.
Safe food handling guidelines:
- Ensure that the perishable items have been stored at the appropriate temperature before donation. For example, refrigerated items should be kept at 4°C or below, and frozen items should be kept at -18°C or below.
- Package the items securely to prevent any damage or contamination during transport.
- Deliver the items to the food bank as soon as possible
Can my food drive accept financial donations?
Yes, financial donations can be made online, mailed or dropped off at the Cambridge Food Bank at 54 Ainslie St South Cambridge ON, or via e transfer give@cambridgefoodbank.org and include your full name, full address and phone number in the notes. Contact Sarah Tooze at 519-622-6550 ext 101 for more information.
Will I get a charitable tax receipt for my donation?
Yes, any financial donation of $20 or more is eligible for a tax receipt. To ensure that you receive a tax receipt, please include your name, mailing address, and phone number with your donation. Tax receipts are issued manually at the beginning of the following year
Please note that non-perishable food donations are not eligible for tax receipts unless they are accompanied by a grocery store receipt.
All tax receipts are issued in accordance with the guidelines set out by the Canada Revenue Agency. For more information, please click here.
How do I donate once my food drive has finished?
Food Donation Pick-Up
As a charitable, non-profit organization with limited capacity and resources, we are working hard to ensure we get as much food as possible out to our neighbours all across the city. We will do our very best to work with you to coordinate a driver to pick-up your food donations at the end of your food campaigns. We encourage you to drop off food donations directly to us here at the food bank whenever possible to help us save time and resources!
If you require a pick-up of your donations, please indicate so when registering. We would be happy to work with you to ensure that your donations are collected in a timely and efficient manner. Thank you for your support of the Cambridge Food Bank.
If you require a pick-up of your donations, please indicate so when registering. We would be happy to work with you to ensure that your donations are collected in a timely and efficient manner. Thank you for your support of the Cambridge Food Bank.
Food Donation Drop Off Instructions
We are open and available to receive food donations in our receiving area Monday – Friday between the hours of 9:00am – 5:00pm. To access CFB receiving come to our Warnock Street entrance, which is a one-way side street on the right side of Ainslie just before our main entrance (coming from Main Street). We are the second laneway on the left (you will see a long lane that goes in between two houses) and a giant CFB sign above a loading dock. Come to the back door and press the green buzzer and someone will come out to assist you.
Who do I contact if I need some help?
Should you need assistance, please email Brandee at bfaulds@cambridgefoodbank.org or call 519-622-6550 ext 105
How can I advertise on Social Media?
We have some great creative assets in Step 3 above. Feel free to use these as they are or add your logo and/or own creative graphics. When positing online, don’t forget to tag @cambfoodbank and sometimes we’re able to reshare your posts to our stories.
Thank you for your Support!
