Search Results

Food insecurity and food access are complex issues. Social policy, systemic racism, climate change, geography, and colonial food systems are just a few of the contributing factors that have created this increasingly critical situation we face as a society.  Food Banks BC is grateful to the Provincial Government and donors for their support in helping Food Banks BC conduct important work to alleviate hunger, particularly among people and communities that are disproportionately impacted by poverty and hunger. Provincial Programs Food insecurity and food access are complex issues that demand coordinated, province-wide action. In British Columbia, nearly 1 in 10 households experiences some level of food insecurity, with many families facing impossible choices between rent, utilities, and groceries. Contributing factors such as systemic inequities, climate change, geography, and the lasting effects of colonial food systems make this an increasingly critical issue. In 2024/25, Food Banks BC distributed $4,976,302 across four program areas: Together, we are not only meeting immediate needs but also building more resilient, accessible food systems across the province. Click on each program below to learn more about the impact of these programs in communities throughout BC. Agency Relief Fund Learn more Emergency Food Support Learn more The Resilient North Project Learn more School Meals Program Learn more

Food Banks BC is committed to protecting the privacy of the personal information you provide to us. Any personal information that Food Banks BC retains is kept in such a manner as to ensure its security and confidentiality at all times. We are dedicated to protecting the personal information of our members, donors, staff and volunteers. We are committed to meeting or exceeding the privacy standards established by federal and provincial legislation. Privacy Policy Food Banks BC is committed to protecting the privacy of the personal information you provide to us. Any personal information that Food Banks BC retains is kept in such a manner as to ensure its security and confidentiality at all times. We are dedicated to protecting the personal information of our members, donors, staff and volunteers. We are committed to meeting or exceeding the privacy standards established by federal and provincial legislation. Our information handling practices comply with the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). Definition of Personal Information Personal information is any information that is identifiable to you as an individual. This may include, but is not limited to, your name, gender, age, date of birth, language of correspondence, mailing address, telephone number, fax number, email address, and membership in an organization. Personal information does not include publicly available information about you in your capacity as an employee of an organization such as your name, job title, work mailing address, work email address, work fax number, or work telephone number. Collection of Information Food Banks BC only collects personal information from: Donors Members Volunteers Employees Others who have shown an interest in BC Food Banks This information is collected by a variety of methods: phone, fax, mail, email, online, or in-person. Disclosure of Information Food Banks BC treats its obligations with respect to the use and disclosure of personal information very seriously. In the event that you should choose to send Food Banks BC your e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, addresses and/or any personal information so that we may communicate with you, Food Banks BC will not sell, trade or rent this information to third parties. Generally, we will only use or disclose personal information for the primary purpose that it was collected or for a purpose related to the primary purpose that you would reasonably expect it to be used. Food Banks BC may transfer information to service providers where information processing is outsourced by Food Banks BC in the course of its administrative distribution procedures. Where personal information is transferred to a service provider for processing, we require the service provider to respect this Privacy Policy and we restrict them from using or disclosing personal information transferred to them for any purpose other than the provision of services to us. In the event that you wish to opt-out of any future services or information, you may contact us and we will ensure that your information is deleted from our data-base. Unfortunately, no data transmission over the Internet can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. As a result, while we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot ensure or warrant the security of any information you transmit to us or receive from us electronically. This is especially true for information you transmit to us via e-mail. We have no way of protecting that information until it reaches us. Once we receive your transmission, we make our best efforts to ensure its security on our servers. Storage of Information Personal information is stored in our database(s) on a secure server and in hard copy files. Only authorized personnel have access to th is information. Food Banks BC uses personal information to better serve our stakeholders and to expand our community of support. Online Privacy Food Banks BC is comm itted to protecting the privacy of those who use our website. We do not request site visitors to provide any personal information in order to contact us or to be added to any newsletters. We do not collect any personal information about individuals browsing our website. Food Banks BC does not track visitors through the use of cookies and any general statistics gathered from our site traffic are used only for our own purposes. However, Food Banks BC does collect statistical information through a log file which indicates number, length, and frequency of page visits, external links redirecting users to our website, and which browser, operating system, and type of device (mobile or desktop) was used to access our website. This information is analyzed to help us develop content that responds to the interests of our website visitors. Food Banks BC’s website uses Wix analytics to track usage of our website for reporting and evaluation purposes. For further information on Wix’s privacy policy, please see https://www.wix.com/about/privacy Donors Food Banks BC will only request specific information from you in order to complete a donation transaction. Your information is added to our donor database, but this information will not be sold, traded or otherwise distributed to any other organization or companies. Any credit card information is taken in a secure environment. Food Banks BC utilizes CanadaHelps. The information you enter is handled directly by CanadaHelps. For further information on CanadaHelps’ privacy policy please see https://www.canadahelps.org/en/privacy-policy . Links to Other Websites Food Banks BC’s web site may contain links to other Web sites that are independently owned and operated by third parties. These links are provided to you as a convenience only. These other Web sites may have their own privacy policies and are not governed by this privacy policy. Food Banks BC is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of any W eb site(s) owned and operated by any such third parties. Other web sites may collect and treat information collected differently, so we encourage you to carefully read and review the privacy policy for each web site you visit. Contact Info Questions, concerns or complaints relating to Food Banks BC’s privacy policy on the treatment of personal information shou ld be e-mailed to Dan Huang-Taylor at dan@foodbanksbc.com or 302-12761 16th Avenue, Surrey BC, V4A 1N2. Food Banks BC does its best to ensure that all information is recorded accurately—if you notice any errors in our correspondence with you or if your personal information changes, please contact us at 604-498-1798 or info@foodbanksbc.com to update your file. If you do not wish to be contacted by phone, mail, or email, please contact us and we will ensure that your request is honoured. Further information on privacy and your rights in regard to your personal information may be found on the website of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. Food Banks BC Charitable Registration Number: 86133-1130-RR0001

Our mission is to relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow for all British Columbians. Food Banks BC is the provincial association of food banks. Our membership is comprised of 111 hunger relief agencies throughout British Columbia. We support our members and other agencies through the provision of resources that assist their efforts to tackle hunger in communities they represent. This is achieved through the distribution of food and financial donations, providing access to training and capacity building prog rams, networking opportunities, and as a representative voice to speak to the needs of food banks as well as the hundreds of thousands of British Columbians who face ongoing food insecurity. The role of Food Banks BC has significantly expanded in recent years. We are working with an increasing number of donors, government agencies, non-profits, and other stakeholders, and through this expanding network, we are broadening the scale and scope of our work, and reaching more people than ever before. Beyond our membership, we work with numerous agencies that specialize in providing food access support to equity-deserving groups, including racialized populations, refugees, Indigenous communities, seniors, and migrant workers. The work of hunger relief is critical and it’s the immediate priority we all share. Looking forward, we need to shift from hunger relief to systems change. Upstream solutions that seek to reduce and, eventually, eliminate the need for charitable food. Food Banks BC is committed to supporting the need to for urgent hunger relief services now, while taking the necessary actions to eliminate the need for these services altogether and working towards a hunger-free British Columbia. Food Banks BC is a member of Food Banks Canada . Who we are and what we do Vision + Mission Our Vision A hunger-free British Columbia Our Mission To relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow for all British Columbians Click here to view our Strategic Plan. Our Values Integrity We are honourable, inclusive, respectful, and trustworthy Dignity We see and respect the inherent value and worth of every British Columbian Accountability We are accountable to our members and transparent in our dealings with all stakeholders Collaboration We share and work with our stakeholders and each other collaboratively towards common goals Equity We advocate for and believe in equitable access to food for all British Columbians Responsiveness We adapt and respond appropriately to changing conditions with timeliness, flexibility, and innovation Spirit of Giving Award As the Provincial Association of food banks in British Columbia, we see countless acts of kindness and generosity through the work of our member agencies and those who support their cause. So much of this goes unnoticed, so we want to acknowledge the contributions of these everyday superheroes. Launched in 2022, the Food Banks BC Spirit of Giving Award is an annual award that recognizes the significant contributions of individuals and community partners who have demonstrated their commitment to supporting food banks or hunger relief in British Columbia. Community Partner Award Recipients BC Housing Staff Supporters BC Liquor Distribution Branch Susan Byrom - First West Credit Union Anne Penman - CBC Agency and Individual Award Recipients Lake Country Food Bank Anne Irving - Vanderhoof Food Bank The Salvation Army Penticton Sandra Cascaden - St. Joseph's Food Bank Lillian - Kamloops Food Bank

Meet our staff and board who help food banks all over BC. Staff Dan Huang-Taylor Executive Director EMAIL Christine Ryan Director of Operations EMAIL Sherri Binks Manager, Food Programs EMAIL Nick Johnson Manager, Member Services EMAIL Marina Heidt Financial Clerk EMAIL Katie Orr Provincial Manager, National Standards EMAIL Natalia Ribeiro Administrative Coordinator EMAIL Shanille Samra Financial Controller EMAIL Board of Directors Food Banks BC is governed by a volunteer board of directors, elected by the membership annually. The board is comprised of community representatives and representatives from our food bank network: Hajira Hussain, Chairperson Alison Colwell Lindsay Miles-Pickup Mike Cooke Sydney Goodfellow (she/her) Treska Watson, Vice Chairperson Elaine Laberge Lucille Gnanasihamany Mike Olson Cathy Chaplow, Treasurer Kim Roberts Mavis A. Erickson Scott Nicoll, Past Chair

Our supporting partner campaigns exemplify the transformative power of collaboration, showcasing how collective efforts can make a profound and positive impact on the communities served. We invite you to explore our partner campaigns and join us in making a difference, one partnership at a time. Together, we can build a brighter future for all. Partner Campaigns Our supporting partner campaigns exemplify the transformative power of collaboration, showcasing how collective efforts can make a profound and positive impact on the communities served. We invite you to explore our partner campaigns and join us in making a difference, one partnership at a time. Together, we can build a brighter future for all. The Full Cupboard Vancouver Island The Full Cupboard is a community-based signature cause program established by Island Savings in 2016. Donate Now The Full Cupboard Fraser Valley The Full Cupboard is a community-based signature cause program established by Envision Financial in 2013. Donate Now Feed the Valley Feed the Valley is a community-based signature cause program established by Valley First in March 2010. Donate Now Basics for Babies® Basics for Babies® was created in 1994 when JR Country recognized a chronic shortage of baby products at Lower Mainland Food Banks. Donate Now

Food and Workplace Safety information available for your to download. Food and Workplace Safety 10 Canned Food Myths Download Client Safe Food Transportation Download Food Distribution Guidelines Download Industry Food Donations Download WorkSafe BC Food Processing Download Anti-Racism Resource Download Donation of Game Meat Download Guidelines For Food Shelf Life Download Respectful Workplace Model Download Links Food Premises Regulation Canadian Food Inspection Agency Food Safe Certification

Contact Us Tel: 604-498-1798 Toll free: 1-855-498-1798 Fax: 604-498-1795 info@foodbanksbc.com Suite 302 – 12761 16th Avenue Surrey, BC V4A 1N2 Monday to Thursday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm (operating hours may vary) For media inquiries, please click here Full Name Email Write a message Submit Thank you for your message. Do you have a concern or complaint? We recognize that from time to time there may be inquiries, concerns or complaints and we believe that our stakeholders have the right to tell us about them. To share your feedback please contact the Food Banks BC office by calling or filling out the form above. Alternatively, you can contact the Food Banks C anada Customer Experience Hotline at 1.877.280.0329 or EMAIL Click here to read the Food Banks BC Complaints Policy.

Join us and help make the season kind by supporting local food banks and their communities! Thank you for your generous support of food banks in BC.

This website was designed to conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA. The website was last updated on October 5th, 2023. Food Banks BC Accessibility Policy At Food Banks BC, we strive to provide support and resources in a way that respects the dignity and independence of all our community members. We commit to giving people with disabilities the same opportunity to access our supports and resources and allowing them to benefit from the same services in the same place and in a similar way as other users. At Food Banks BC, a person with a disability supported by a service dog, a guide, or a support individual will be allowed to have that support resource accompany them while accessing our services. These support persons and service dogs are granted the same access as the person they are accompanying. Under no circumstances will a person with a disability and their support resource be prevented from accessing our services and resources. When a barrier to accessing our support and resources arises, Food Banks BC takes a proactive stance. We actively seek alternative ways to ensure access, encouraging individuals to communicate their specific needs. If there's uncertainty about accessing our services and resources, please reach out to us at info@foodbanksbc.com or 604-498-1798. At Food Banks BC, we celebrate differences and honour individuals’ experiences. We are committed to providing regular education and resources on accessibility and equity, ensuring that our staff and community members are always informed and equipped to promote inclusivity. We also strive to use inclusive language in our verbal and written communication. We encourage our member food banks to: 1. Provide spaces where people are treated with dignity. 2. Celebrate differences. 3. Center accessibility needs of their employees, volunteers, and clients. Accessibility is the work we do to ensure people with disabilities can access our services equally with others. It includes ways to remove barriers to access, including physical barriers, attitudes, communication, systemic, technology, and sensory considerations. Below are some examples of accessibility practices that Food Banks BC encourages our members to implement whenever possible (bearing in mind the limitations some organizations face, such as space and landlord restrictions). Physical Accessibility Practices • Ensuring an area where a HandyDart vehicle or accessible taxi can safely drop someone off. • Ensure the entryway to the food bank is accessible to wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. • Ensuring there is an automatic door at the entrance and washroom. • Ensuring there is designated accessible parking available. • Ensuring a rest area is available for folks with health conditions that limit their ability to stand for extended periods. • Ensuring there is an area to wait in, protected from weather and the elements. • Ensuring washrooms have grab bars. Attitude Accessibility Practices • Greeting clients as they enter the space. • Collecting client feedback. Communication Accessibility Practices • Use signage or other materials that explain how the food bank runs and what to expect. • Offering options for non-verbal communication. • Communicating changes to stakeholders. • Providing signage or information in languages other than English. Systemic Accessibility Practices • Ensuring service hours are sufficient to reduce wait times and crowding. • Communicating to stakeholders how they can request accommodation for their disability (i.e. home delivery). • Communicating the complaint process and how to report an accessibility issue. • Ensuring employees and volunteers understand and agree with The Ethical Foodbanking Code. • Ensuring food bank operators are trained in de-escalation or other methods for holding safe space. • Providing choice to clients whenever possible. • Providing cooking suggestions for items that may be unfamiliar to clients. Technology Accessibility Practices • Ensuring websites are accessible to screen readers • Ensuring website graphs and charts have text to explain them Sensory Accessibility Practices • Accommodating food restrictions • Ensuring sufficient lighting allows someone with low vision to navigate the space. • Avoiding floors and wall colour contrasting with busy patterns. This website was designed to conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA. The website was last updated on October 5th, 2023. If you encounter accessibility issues, we welcome your report. You can send the information to info@foodbanksbc.com .

Choose your way to make a difference. Your help is urgently needed! DONATE TO FOOD BANKS BC BC’s food banks need your support more than ever. Rising grocery prices, the housing crisis, and extreme weather events are pushing more people to rely on food banks just to get by. Demand is at an all-time high, and your donation makes a real difference. With your help, we can ensure food banks across BC have the resources they need to support their communities. Thank you for your generosity. Donate Now Your Help Is Urgently Needed Donate Securities Fundraise Now DONATE BY PHONE Call us at 604-498-1798 and we can process your donation over the phone DONATE BY EFT Please email us at info@foodbanksbc.com for banking details DONATE BY MAIL Mail your cheque to: Food Banks BC, Suite 302 – 12761 16th Avenue, Surrey, BC V4A 1N2 DONATE BY E-TRANSFER Please send to donations@foodbanksbc.com and ensure you email us your information for a tax receipt

Food Banks BC is grateful to the Provincial Government and donors for their support in helping Food Banks BC conduct important work to alleviate hunger, particularly among people and communities that are disproportionately impacted by poverty and hunger. < Back The Resilient North Project Since March 2022, Food Banks BC has partnered with the Public Health Association of BC on research and grants to support sustainable food systems and equitable food access in Northern BC. In 2024, Food Banks BC administered the Rapid Stimulus Grant for Food Systems Transformation (RSG), a one-time grant for non-profits in Northern BC to advance transformation in the food system. Thirty-six innovative projects across Northern BC received $794,546 in funding in June 2024. The projects through this grant will be inspiring and transformational for local and regional food systems resilience, equity, and capacity-building. Previous Next

In order to be eligible for membership, your food bank must meet the following requirements: Membership Benefits include: Provincial and National voice on hunger issues in BC Networking Funding (Provincial and National) Skill Building and Training Discount Buying Programs Participation in both the National and Provincial Conference & AGM National Food Sharing System (NFSS) Product received from major manufacturers by Food Banks Canada Distributed to members from four (4) hubs strategically located throughout BC Transportation assistance may be provided to rural food banks (communities with a population of less than 10,000) Affiliate membership to Food Banks Canada In order to be eligible for membership, your food bank must meet the following requirements: Focus its main activity on the collection and distribution of food to assist those that require help in their community. Be the only food bank that serves their community, city or region (please check our Find A Food Bank map for current members). Have a current Canadian Charitable Registration Number in good standing with the CRA. Pay an annual fee to Food Banks BC that is based on the number of clients served. Participate and cooperate annually with data capture for Food Banks Canada’s Hunger Count survey and other required data collection. Cooperate with all regional, provincial or national fund or food raising campaigns as required. Agree to and follow Food Bank Code of Ethics. Agree to and follow Food Banks BC’s Members’ Standard of Care. Agree to and follow any other Food Banks BC Membership Criteria which the network may require from time to time. Have been in operation for a minimum of one year. Be a community steward of food donations to share with other member food banks and local food agencies where surplus exists. If you are interested in applying for membership and meet the criteria, please contact info@foodbanksbc.com or call 604-498-1798.