In 1996, representatives from Hamilton Christian Social Services met to discuss the possibility of establishing a combined food bank due to overlapping efforts and space constraints among several churches that each operated their own food banks. A feasibility study, conducted by a Wintec student during her placement at Methodist Social Services in March 1997, involved distributing questionnaires to various agencies.

Following the study, a trust was established, and Michael Redman was appointed as the first chairman in late 1997 or early 1998. The trust secured premises with the help of a generous benefactor who offered a peppercorn rental, taking possession of the space on June 1, 1998. Funding was obtained, and the first food bank coordinator was hired on July 20, 1998, to set up operations. A press release was issued on July 29, 1998, marking the beginning of what has become a highly successful and well-run initiative.