Supporting Our Community: The Work of the Food Donation Team

At Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis, we believe that food is more than just nourishment—it is a source of comfort, stability, and hope. Since the beginning of 2022, our Food Donations Team has been working tirelessly to support displaced Ukrainian families and other newcomers in the Waterloo Region. Thanks to the dedication of over 50 volunteers and the generosity of our donors, we have been able to provide essential food assistance to those in need.

Making a Difference

In January and February 2025 alone, our Food Donations Team supported 95 individuals, ensuring they had access to fresh and nutritious food. Each week and month, we delivered food to five guest houses and 13 families living independently, helping them navigate the challenges of resettlement. This vital support has been made possible through contributions from Kitchener Market, "Miss Dixie’s Foundation," and private donors who have stepped forward to lend a helping hand.

A Story of Gratitude: Anastasiia’s Journey

One of the many families who have benefited from our program is Anastasiia. Originally from eastern Ukraine, Anastasiia and her family arrived in the Waterloo Region just over a year ago. Adjusting to their new life was far from easy. With a child who has special needs and her own health struggles, the transition was overwhelming. While her husband’s job covers rent and transportation, affording nutritious food remained a challenge.

“The Food Donations Team has been a huge help for us,” Anastasiia shares. “Thanks to this support, my son gets the fruits and greens he needs for his diet, and as a diabetic, I have access to chicken and low-sugar vegetables. This allows our family to stay afloat financially. We don’t have a car or driver’s license, so transporting heavy grocery bags isn’t an option for us. The fact that the team delivers food right to our door saves us time and energy, allowing us to focus on our son. We are deeply grateful for both the material and moral support.”

A Collective Effort

None of this would be possible without the incredible dedication of our volunteers. People like Ihor, Murray, Ilguiz, Dave, Aleksey, Joe, Karen, Florence, Lynn, Mary Ellen, Hisham, Mickle, and many others work tirelessly to organize and deliver food to those who need it most. Their kindness and commitment embody the spirit of community support and solidarity.

We are always looking for ways to expand our impact and continue this important work. If you’d like to contribute—whether through volunteering, donating food, or providing financial support—please reach out at https://www.wrgrassrootsresponse.ca/volunteer and fill out the volunteer form.

Together, we can help families not just survive but thrive in their new home.

Thank you to everyone who makes this initiative possible. Your generosity is truly changing lives!

This program is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to helping displaced Ukrainians rebuild their lives with dignity, care, and community.