The Cambridge Self-Help 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.
Our Vision: Every person will have access to healthy food and opportunities for growth.
Our Values Statement: We respect all people equally.
We strive to:
- Encourage a sense of community
- Extend a caring hand
- Develop each person’s unique strengths and life skills
We conduct ourselves to:
- Actively seek community partnerships
- Use our resources efficiently
- Honour everyone’s right to confidentiality
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 establishment of the Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank was inspirited by three very socially conscious men living in high density neighbourhoods. Recognizing the need for food assistance, they began by going to the Saturday market and collecting unsold fruits and vegetables. Loading up the trunks of their cars, they then returned to their neighbourhoods for distribution.
The organization was founded by members of social services, community, religious organizations, a lawyer, and several community members. This group of people wanted to change the way people living below the poverty line were viewed, and allow them to access food when needed.
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.
The Food Bank employs twelve full-time and ten part-time staff; however volunteers are the key of our success. Our volunteers consist of adults, students, community assigned workers, and individuals on work placements. Over 1,000 volunteers contribute hours to our organization every year.
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.
Our mission is to offer additional food products and assistance to residents in need. We work to foster self-reliance by offering educational opportunities, job training, and one-on-one emotional support.
We are dedicated not only to feeding people in our community, but also to helping to build our community.
The Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank is a proud Living Wage employer at the “Champion” level. We believe that as an organization supporting people experiencing poverty, we must lead by example and ensure that anyone employed by our organization earns a living wage.
The Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank is a member of the Ontario Association of Food Banks 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.
We recognize the past and current contexts of colonialism so that we may build stronger relationships, aware of the history and treaties we are all party to.
The Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank, and the community that we serve, is located on the Haldimand Tract, which on October 25, 1784, after the American Revolutionary War of Independence, was given to the Six Nations of the Grand River by the British as compensation for their role in the war and for the loss of their traditional lands in upstate New York. Of the 950,000 acres given to the Haudenosaunee (six miles on either side of the Grand River, all the way along its length), only 46,000 acres (less than 5 per cent) remains Six Nations land.
We recognize that Indigenous people are disproportionately affected by food insecurity. Approximately 33 percent of urban Indigenous households are food insecure – which means they don’t always have access to healthy and affordable food. This inequality is a result of colonial laws in Canada which: forced communities away from their traditional homes and sources of food; intentionally malnourished Indigenous children; intentionally make it difficult for Indigenous communities to be self-sufficient; and allow Indigenous communities, including their food and water sources, to be polluted by industry.
We acknowledge that social services have played an active role in colonization, and the attempted cultural genocide of Indigenous people. The Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank is committed to taking part in reconciliation in a meaningful way.
Staff
Learn about our staff and why they are passionate about their work:
#WhyCSHFB: “Have you ever felt that all hope in your life has disappeared or have you stood on the margins of life?” I have. Fortunately, my voice has always been heard and people have responded. As I enter the Food Bank each morning I hope I can be one of the people that hears that quiet voice in the wilderness, “someone please help.”
519-622-6550 Ext. 212
#WhyCSHFB: I feel it is a privilege to walk alongside people in our community; the food bank allows me to do so without requiring anything in return of the people we serve. I was fortunate to meet people along my journey that changed the trajectory of my life and my work here allows me to honour them in a way that is meaningful.
519-622-6550 Ext. 205
#WhyCSHFB: I am here to ensure that all donations are picked up and delivered on time with a smile
519-622-6550 Ext. 209
#WhyCSHFB: When I come up the stairs each day and I read the writing on the wall at the top of the stairs I am always reminded of why I keep coming back. For me that pretty much captures my purpose in life.
(The writing says: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” – Matthew 25:35-36)
(The writing says: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” – Matthew 25:35-36)
519-622-6550 Ext. 119
519-622-6550
#WhyCSHFB: As one of the coordinators of the co-op program at CSHFB I provide support for individuals and families that offers hope, dignity, respect and opportunity in their lives while providing a way to stretch their food budget. I have the privilege every day of working for an organization that fills my soul.
519-622-6550 Ext. 114
#WhyCSHFB: In my role as Fund Development and Communications Coordinator, I hear so many amazing stories from the staff and participants here at the Food Bank. I work to tell those stories as best I can and create opportunities for everyone to share their voice. I want to share our story with the community and build up our resources to ensure we can continue to do the amazing work that happens here every day.
519-622-6550 Ext. 117
#WhyCSHFB: I help to organize, enable, and support my team so that we can build a stronger, more interconnected community. Together, we walk with people hoping to make each day a little better.
519-622-6550 Ext. 103
#WhyCSHFB: Because I believe in volunteerism! I see the rewards to both our organization and the individuals who donate their time. I believe in our programs and services and want the staff to have support in their areas so they can run efficiently. Lastly, I know we couldn’t do this without our volunteers and I am thankful we have such a loyal group who work alongside us every day!
519-622-6550 Ext. 106
#WhyCSHFB: I am here to ensure that the Emergency Room is clean, full, and as inviting as possible. I do this by providing our magnificent volunteers with the tools and support they require to send our participants on their way with enough food to fill their bellies and, hopefully, a more optimistic outlook.
519-622-6550 Ext. 101
519-622-6550 Ext. 105
#WhyCSHFB: Community service is my passion and nutrition is my strength. I am thankful that my job here at CSHFB allows me to combine both. I am here to spread the awareness about better health for everyone by adopting a healthy lifestyle. As Hippocrates' famous quote says, ``Let food be thy medicine``. Together, let us make the world a better place, one bite at a time.
519-622-6550 Ext. 220
#WhyCSHFB: As a Street Outreach worker I strive to build supportive relationships by meeting folks where they’re at; free of stigma and judgment. Through compassion, understanding and the inherit belief that every individual has value, I have been given the opportunity to help provide support to those I walk alongside. I believe sincerity and empathy go a long way and I’m humbled by the resilience and strength of the people I meet.
519-622-6550 Ext. 207
519-622-6550 Ext. 202
As the Fund Development and Relationship Coordinator, my role is to help people and businesses in Cambridge and North Dumfries have a positive, long-term, impact in our community. My goal is to ensure there is sufficient funding to meet the community’s needs now and in the future, and to recognize the generosity that exists in the Cambridge community. I look forward to connecting with you to find out how we can work together to #FeedCommunity!
Get in touch with me at jpries{at}cambridgefoodbank.on.ca or 519-622-6550 Ext. 118
519-622-6550 x 100
#WhyCSHFB: In my role as the Co-op Coordinator, I have the opportunity to help individuals and families stretch their food budgets. I love connecting with the members and working alongside the amazing Volunteers and Mentors. I am grateful to be able to say that I work at CSHFB with very compassionate, dedicated staff who truly care about the people in our community.
519-622-6550 x 114
#WhyCSHFB: As a Community Meal Coordinator for the Mike's Lunch program, I plan and prepare nutritious food that accommodates dietary needs to increase inclusivity. I am passionate about contributing to a healthy and inclusive community where love dignity and respect is nourished. Every Saturday, I have the privilege to interact and build rapport with my peers experiencing life’s challenges. This experience has strengthened my ability to establish a bridge with our guests and volunteers while providing listening support to empower and give encouragement when needed. At Mike’s Lunch, we have a phenomenal team of volunteers who share the CSHFB’s values of respecting our guest equally.
519-622-6550
Board and Committees
The Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank is an incorporated not-for-profit charitable organization, governed by a volunteer board of directors. We are so thankful to the committed volunteer directors and all of the time and energy they contribute towards helping our organization best serve our community.
If you are interested in joining our board of directors or one of our volunteer committees, please contact Tara at tcooper@cambridgefoodbank.on.ca.
2017-18 Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Kristen Danson – Chair
Brian Hornick – Vice Chair
Nancy Mason – Treasurer
Directors
Jen Loker
Yasmine Mohamed
Kevin Moule
Scott Hamilton
Katherine Hughes
Jocelyn Maurice
Heather Van Patter
Nicole Papke
Impact Report
It’s been a year of growth at the Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank. Read out 2018/19 Impact Report to learn about the need in our community, new supports and services we are creating, and all the ways we are Feeding Community.
Click here to view the Growing Together: 2018/19 Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank Impact Report
Click here to view the 2018/19 Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank Audited Financial Statements
Work With Us
Welcome Desk Host– This role is often the face of the Food Bank for people visiting us. Your role is to welcome people warmly, make them feel safe and comfortable, and guide them to the supports they need. It’s a broad role requiring patience, attention to detail, excellent people skills, and a high degree of kindness and intentionality. On a daily basis you will be solving problems, resolving challenges, be a listening ear for people who have personal challenges to share, and managing complex behaviours and situations. If this sounds like the role for you please submit your application by November 17th, 2019, click here for more information.