Win-win-win: newcomers find a welcoming workplace at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region
A creative training program has helped newcomers transition more easily into the Canadian workforce, while also supporting The Food Bank of Waterloo Region’s vision of a community where no one experiences hunger.
When newcomers arrive, they often can’t find a job without Canadian work experience. But they can’t get that experience without a job. It’s a challenge that makes it harder for people to find good employment and feel they belong here.
To help, several local groups came up with a creative, home-grown solution. A training program was developed where newcomers are paid to work full-time at The Food Bank. During this four-week program, participants gained hands-on experience by working different roles in the distribution centre, including operating a pump truck and filling orders. They improved their English skills too.
Understanding Canada’s unique workplace culture and etiquette can be a challenge for people who didn’t grow up here. So classroom sessions also taught participants about workplace communication, health and safety, food safety, and more.
The newcomer training program was a pilot program that ran from July 2025 until May 2026.
About 40 people participated. There was no barrier to taking part—any newcomer 16 or older who was currently unemployed and legally able to work in Canada could apply. Graduates said the experience gave them a confidence boost. Almost a third of participants found a job soon after completing the program!
This newcomer training program is a great example of what can be achieved with collaboration between different partners. The project began at an Immigration Partnership steering group, with input from local business leaders. Jeff MacIntyre, CEO of the Grand Valley Construction Association pitched the idea as a win-win-win solution:
- Newcomers could gain the work experience they need.
- The Food Bank could benefit from additional workers to support its mission and vision.
- And local employers would also benefit from a larger pool of talented workers.
The Immigration Partnership Waterloo Region, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, and the Region of Waterloo worked together to quickly put the pilot project together. The Region provided launch funding with a $249,000 investment.
The pilot program has now ended, but this promising approach could live on.
The Food Bank is hopeful another funder might step forward to continue the program. Other companies could also adopt this idea and build a similar program that helps them meet their needs while also training new workers.
Are you or your company interested in learning more or supporting the next Newcomer Work Experience Program? Reach out to Immigration Partnership or The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.