BOARD OF DIRECTORS OPPORTUNITY at THE FOOD BANK OF WATERLOO REGION
Volunteer Position | Apply by: September 21, 2026
Join a mission-driven board that believes in nourishing lives and strengthening communities by making food support accessible to everyone, everywhere in Waterloo region.
Are you committed to building a community where everyone has access to food? Do you want to contribute your judgment, experience and perspective to the governance of an organization responding to one of Waterloo region’s most pressing challenges?
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region is seeking committed, community-minded individuals to join our Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning November 12, 2026.
As a Board member, you will join a committed group of community leaders providing strategic direction, oversight and advocacy to advance our mission. There is an opportunity to bring your lived experience, professional experience and commitment to equity and community well-being to an action-oriented and inclusive Board focused impact.
Our mission: Through community partnerships, we obtain and distribute emergency food from our neighbours for our neighbours.
Our vision: A Waterloo region where no one experiences hunger.
Our values: Community Impact; Operational Excellence; Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect; Continuous Improvement; Collaborative Partnerships; Integrity and Dependability.
Strategic Plan, 2024-2027
We are entering the final year of our 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, which is focused on strengthening partnerships, clarifying our role in the community, building an innovative and sustainable workplace, and growing the resources needed to respond to increasing food insecurity.
Our strategic plan focuses on 4 strategic directions:
1. Design for High-Performing Partnerships
We’re reimagining how we collaborate - building stronger, more people-centered partnerships that enhance community experiences and create a more equitable food provision system.
2. Bring Clarity to Community
By clearly communicating our purpose and mission, we aim to strengthen relationships, amplify our advocacy, and extend support across our diverse Community Food Assistance Network.
3. Build an Innovative and Sustainable Workplace Culture and Environment
We’re investing in our people and spaces - fostering a culture rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability to ensure our team thrives and our impact grows.
4. Strengthen Our Numbers
We’re diversifying and deepening our donor relationships - welcoming support in all forms to build a resilient, inclusive, and well-resourced future.
Why Join the Board of Directors?
- Be part of driving system-wide solutions to food insecurity across Waterloo Region.
- Support a leading, well-respected organization at the heart of a 132+ agency strong Community Food Assistance Network.
- Use your leadership, strategic thinking, and networks to help strengthen The Food Bank’s long-term sustainability and community reach.
- Share your emotional connection to the cause and help us build an organization that reflects and represents our community.
Board Member Responsibilities
The Board provides strategic oversight and governance. Board members do not manage the organizations day-to-day operations.
- Provide oversight, support, and performance accountability for the Chief Executive Officer;
- Contribute to the organization’s strategic direction and long-term sustainability;
- Exercise fiduciary responsibility, including financial, legal and ethical oversight;
- Oversee organizational risk and ensure appropriate governance practices;
- Prepare for and participate actively in Board and committee meetings;
- Act in the best interest of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region; and,
- Serve as an informed ambassador and advocate for the organization’s mission.
Competencies and Experience
For this recruitment cycle, we are particularly interested in candidates with governance, professional or lived experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Real estate, property development or facilities.
- Finance, accounting, audit or financial oversight.
We’re especially committed to increasing the diversity of our Board and welcome applicants who reflect the communities we serve, including those with lived experience of food insecurity. Previous board experience is not required - we value curiosity, commitment, and a collaborative spirit.
Expectations and Commitment
- Serve a three-year term, with the possibility of renewal up to three terms.
- Attend 7-9 meetings annually, which will be a mix of in-person and virtual formats. These meetings are held during business hours.
- Special meetings may be called based on the ongoing needs of the organization.
- Dedicate approximately 10 hours per month, including time for meeting preparation and participation in committee or working group activities.
- Demonstrate a willingness to act as a thoughtful, strategic advisor and an active ambassador within the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What committees do you have?
- Standing committees currently include:
- Executive;
- Finance, Audit, and Risk; and,
- Governance and Nominating.
- Ad hoc committees or working groups may also be established when needed.
- Committees generally meet four to six times annually during business hours. Some evening meetings occur based on the needs of the business.
- Are Board members compensated?
- No. Directors serve on a volunteer basis and do not receive remuneration.
- How are new Board members supported?
- New directors receive orientation, a tour, and meeting with the CEO, governance material, and peer support from an experienced Board member.
How to Apply
1. Submit a cover letter and resume by September 21, 2026, to [email protected].
- Applicants will receive a short supplementary questionnaire.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual interviews in early October with members of the Governance and Nominating Committee.
- The Governance and Nominating Committee will recommend candidates to the Board.
- Successful candidates will be presented for election or appointment at the AGM on November 12, 2026.
Commitment to Inclusion and Accessibility
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require accommodations or communications in an alternate format at any stage, please contact Wendy Lauzon, Executive Assistant, at [email protected] or 519-743-5576 x 346.
We will work with you to meet your needs in a timely and respectful manner.
Our Impact Together
- 1 in 9 households in Waterloo Region struggles to afford food - a number that’s rising.
- More than 73,000 people used an emergency food program last year.
- 34% of those served are children under 18 - that’s 25,000 kids.
- Over 186,000 food hampers and 1,200,000 community meals were distributed.
- More than 9.5 million pounds of food were distributed across the Network.
Help us continue to meet urgent need, advocate for long-term solutions, and build a community where no one goes hungry.
Please share this opportunity with your networks to help us reach a broad, diverse, and passionate audience.
