Assisting our new Emergency Food Pantry Program

Since 1987, our AIDS Service Organization has worked tirelessly in supporting those living with, and affected by HIV within the Waterloo Region.

Food security has always been an essential piece of our work. We have been in partnership with the Waterloo Region Food Bank for many years. Through this partnership, we have had the opportunity to access Emergency Food Hampers from House of Friendship to deliver to Participants of ACCKWA. This program has helped many folks over the years. However, as inflation rates rise, access to healthier food items has become increasingly difficult to source to the folks we serve, given the multitude of layers experienced with a diagnosis. Often this looks like having to choose between affording medication, rent, or food. A crucial piece of healthcare is having the appropriate nutrients for medication to be effective. Our goal is to minimize the gap folks have been experiencing and to alleviate scenarios where those we serve have to choose between healthcare, a warm meal, and having a roof over their head.

With the increased costs of food and living, we see more than ever the need to support more folks in accessing food. That is why we are now expanding our Partnership with the Waterloo Region Food Bank, to create a full-time Emergency Food Pantry within ACCKWA’s office space for Participants of ACCKWA to access regularly. A one-stop shop for all your support, healthcare, and now nutritional needs! However, in order to properly store these necessary, nutrient-dense items, we require a fridge and freezer. This has lead us to you – our fellow community members, and where we hope you can assist us in filling that gap as we work to minimize food insecurity for the folks we serve in our community.

Any amount of money donated will go towards our Support Program at ACCKWA to afford the purchase of a fridge and freezer in our space. Every bit counts! We appreciate you taking the time to read a little about what we have in the works at our organization and consider supporting not only ACCKWA, but our community members as we all work towards eliminating food insecurity for those we serve.

Please keep in mind that we are a charitable, not-for-profit organization, so we will be able to issue a charitable tax receipt with donations over $20.