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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. Hunger in BC Hunger remains a pressing issue across British Columbia, affecting individuals and families in every community. What began as a temporary solution more than four decades ago has become an essential lifeline for thousands of people facing financial hardship. Rising costs of living, economic uncertainty, and the lasting effects of global crises have made it harder than ever for many households to put food on the table. At the same time, challenges like climate change continue to strain local food systems, making access to nutritious food even more difficult. Addressing food insecurity is not just about meeting immediate needs—it’s about creating sustainable, dignified solutions that strengthen communities and ensure everyone has the nourishment they deserve. The Hunger Count Since 1997, Food Banks Canada has conducted the HungerCount, a cross-sectional, census-type survey of most food bank agencies, organizations and programs within and outside of the Food Banks Canada network. The HungerCount provides a national snapshot of what’s happening on the frontlines of the country’s food banks; how many people are using the services, who’s accessing food banks, and why. This information is critical in helping us understand the trends of food bank usage and the policy recommendations that will move us towards tackling hunger and reducing food insecurity in BC. Read the 2025 HungerCount report here . Poverty Report Cards Food Banks Canada’s Poverty Report Cards are an annual report that tracks and compares poverty at a federal level . Food Banks Canada grades the federal government on key issues like poverty levels, living standards, and government actions. This helps policymakers and advocates see what is working, where improvements are needed, and advocate for stronger policies. With coordinated action from all levels of government, we believe Canada can cut food insecurity by 50% by 2030 . Click here for the 2025 National Report Card

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.

Today, hundreds of food banks and hunger relief operations are providing services to hundreds of thousands of families and individuals on a regular basis. Impact Report 2023-2024 In a year that broke records for the demand on BC's food banking system, Food Banks BC expanded its reach and resources to more agencies and British Columbians than ever before. Download our Impact Report to learn more Download PDF Donate State of Hunger in BC The resonating impact of COVID-19 and the cost of living crisis have had devastating consequences on the household budgets of British Columbians. Record numbers of people have turned to food banks over the past year. In March 2024, we achieved an unwelcome milestone. For the first time, our members served over 100,000 unique individuals in a single month. It is clear to see how creating dignified access to food, reducing food insecurity, and strengthening our food systems need to be prioritized. Poverty is at the root of food insecurity and BC’s poverty rate is substantially higher than the national average (11.6% compared to 9.9%). All levels of government have a crucial role to play in addressing poverty. In the absence of policies and supports that help people out of poverty, we will continue to see the need for food banks in BC and across Canada. Our evolution as a charity has resulted in significant growth in our profile, impact, and reach. Much of this work is possible due to the incredible support we receive from our donors and partners. Thank you. We are also very grateful to the Food Banks BC staff team, the Board of Directors, and the many hunger relief organizations that support people in need in BC. Click here to read more At the beginning of 2024, we changed our mission: To Alleviate Hunger Today and to Prevent Hunger Tomorrow for All British Columbians. Did you know? Over $6 billion dollars of food is wasted in BC every year. This is healthy food that is sent to landfill sites when it could be redirected to feed hungry families. Over 100,000 people access our member food banks every month. 1 out of 3 One in every three clients is a child. 1 out of 10 More than one in ten clients are seniors. Income is insufficient Most clients are employed, but their income is insufficient. 107 members Food Banks BC's 107 food bank members support over a thousand hunger relief programs. + 5.4% food costs The price of food increased by 5.4% in BC (national average of 5%). Donations are declining Donations have dropped across the province. Our Programs in Action The Perishable Food Refrigeration Grant The unnecessary loss of consumable food is a critical issue. Over $6 billion of food is wasted in BC every year when much could be redirected to feed hungry families. The final round of the Perishable Refrigeration Grant was launched in 2023. This allowed our members to purchase equipment that would significantly increase our network's capacity to accept and store more perishable food, and get more fresh and healthy food onto the tables of British Columbians. This has helped reduce waste and get more fresh and healthy food onto the tables of British Columbians. Emergency Food Support In 2021, Food Banks BC partnered with the Salvation Army, Associated Grocers, and Gordon Food Services to coordinate the delivery of food into the Lytton region in response to the devastating wildfires in 2021. We also flew food, water, and other urgently needed supplies into isolated, flooded communities in partnership with Helicopters Without Borders, to ensure basic needs were met. The work to support Lytton continues to this day. Additionally, a large volume of food was shipped to the Ulkatcho First Nation this past year. Last summer’s wildfires destroyed much of the local traditional hunting grounds. The Resilient North This project, delivered in partnership with the Public Health Association of BC (PHABC), set out to understand the opportunities and barriers regarding food access in northern BC. The project research phase is complete, and our commitment to focusing on the north of the province has continued to gather momentum. Soon, we will have an even deeper understanding of how we are helping shape the future of dignified food access and enhanced food security in BC. School Nutrition Pilot Program Photo provided by bcaitc.ca Did you know that one in three food bank clients is a child ? We currently have two school meals pilot programs, operating in partnership with BC Agriculture in the Classroom, and Flourish School Meals. These pilot programs have contributed enormously to giving kids in BC schools access to healthy, nutritious food. They will also inform the development of effective, cost-efficient school meals programs. Through the provision of adequate, nutritious food for kids in schools, it is our hope that we can start to see a reduction in the number of families and children who rely on food bank services, and reduce the strain on our network. Agency Relief Fund In partnership with the Province of British Columbia’s Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Food Banks BC administers funding support to non-member, charitable agencies providing hunger relief services in BC communities. This funding is available as a grant that supports the operating costs of helping people who are facing hunger and food insecurity. This past year, the Agency Relief Fund distributed $2.3 million. Interested in learning more about Food Banks BC programs, and our vision for next year? Read our full 2023-2024 Impact Report. Thanks to You, Our Partners and Supporters We would not be able to do this work without the generous support of the many donor partners who have provided food, funds, and other support. Together, we are addressing hunger and food insecurity in BC. Donate Funding Partner Major Food Banks BC and Member Campaign Partners Food + Freight Partners Donor Partners Acosta Canada Corp Aheer Transportation Ltd. Aqueduct Foundation BC Cattlemen's Association Camosun Biotechnology Inc. Campbell Company of Canada Complete Purchasing Services Diageo Canada Easy Energy Inc. Ecofish Research Ltd. EcoLogic Consultants Ltd. Enterprise Holdings Foundation Gott for Good Ionica Inc. Lafarge Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security Merit Kitchens (2002) Ltd. Mission Hill Family Estate Molson Coors Parrish & Heimbecker Limited Pattison Food Group Ltd. Provincial Employees Community Services Fund Restoration Lands Inc. Save On Foods Sobeys Inc. Teck Resources Limited Telus Corporation The Faculty & Staff Association at University of Fraser Valley The Tenaquip Foundation Tourmaline Oil Toyota Canada Transoft Solutions Inc. Vancouver Foundation Varsteel Vitalus Nutrition Inc. Voth Developments Ltd. Waypoint Insurance Western Rice Mills

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

A list of our most requested donation items. Your donations make a difference! TOP 10 MOST REQUESTED FOOD ITEMS Canned vegetables Canned fruit Canned beans (chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans) Canned tuna Peanut butter Pasta and pasta sauce Rice, oats, barley Hearty soup, stew, chili Small snack items (granola bars, fruit cups, applesauce) Toiletries (feminine hygiene products, baby diapers) Where can I donate food? If you would like to connect with your community food bank to make a donation, or find out their specific needs, please go to the Find a Food Bank page to locate the food bank in your area.

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.

Find a Food Bank in your community. Enter your city to find your nearst food bank. Find a Food Bank To find a member food bank in your community click on the map for the locations or check by city. No food bank in your community? Check with the nearest location to you. Sometimes our rural members have additional depots in nearby communities too.

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 School Meals Program Since 2023, Food Banks BC has prioritized programming that supports greater access to healthy food in BC's schools. These pilot programs have been delivered in partnership with BC Agriculture in the Classroom (BCAITC) and the Flourish School Food Society. Since 2023, FBBC has invested $1,738,048 in school food, with $621,345 contributed in 2024/25. These funds have had a tremendous impact. BCAITC: With support from BCAITC, the program has provided 2.4 million healthy produce or dairy snacks, reaching 19,200 children, across 42 schools within six districts in BC , to date. The expansion of this pilot has the potential to reach 75+ schools and 25,000+ more students—expanding healthy, local food access and economic opportunity across BC Flourish School Food Society: Partnering with Flourish, the funds have expanded the school meals program to 1,100 servings daily to 22 schools in Victoria and Sooke, resulting in an additional 50,000 meals schools since the partnership began. Additionally, the support from Food Banks BC has enabled the launch of Flourish’s grocery program, resulting in 104,000 snack servings through various meal programs, as well as weekly grocery distributions to 30 schools . This program has the potential to sustainably provide at least 210,000 meals and 500,000 diverse and nutritious snack servings to schools each academic year. Previous Next

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and is an essential part of how our food banks run.  VOLUNTEER Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and is an essential part of how food banks run. If you would like to volunteer at your local food bank, please go to our Find a Food Bank map to locate and connect with the food bank in your area.

With food insecurity on the rise, we’ve seen another year of record-breaking demand for BC’s hunger relief services. Annual Report 2024-2025 With food insecurity on the rise, we’ve seen another year of record-breaking demand for BC’s hunger relief services. Through it all, Food Banks BC and our network of member food banks across the province have remained steadfast and committed to our collective causes: to address immediate hunger, and to end the need for charitable food support. Download our Annual Report to learn more. Download PDF Donate At Food Banks BC, transparency, accountability, and trust are at the heart of everything we do. Our annual reporting is more than just a regulatory requirement — it’s a reflection of who we are and what we stand for. Annual reports provide a clear, honest picture of our operations, finances, and outcomes over the past year. By sharing how we’ve put funds to use, where resources have gone, and the impact of our work, we ensure that our generous supporters, donors, and members know their contributions are making a real difference. This level of accountability is essential for building and maintaining strong relationships with the public and our partners. We invite you to explore our latest annual report and see the difference we’ve made — together. Click here to read more Past Reports 2023-2024 Impact Report Financials At Food Banks BC, we are committed to the highest standards of financial transparency and accountability. Each year, we undergo an independent audit of our financial statements to ensure accuracy, integrity, and responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. These audited financials provide a clear and trusted picture of how funds are managed and allocated in support of our mission. To access our T3010, please visit the CRA’s website here Click here to download our latest statements Past Financial Statements 2024 Financial Statements 2023 Financial Statements 2022 Financial Statements 2021 Financial Statements 2020 Financial Statements Thanks to You, Our Partners and Supporters We would not be able to do this work without the generous support of the many donor partners who have provided food, funds, and other support. Together, we are addressing hunger and food insecurity in BC. Donate

Kick One In is a Sysco BC initiative to help fight hunger and increase food security in our local communities. Sysco's Kick One In Program Taking Action Against Hunger Sysco's priority is to fight hunger and increase food security in the local communities we serve. With Sysco’s Kick One In program, you can donate below, with the proceeds being provided directly to eliminate hunger and make nutritious food available in your local community. This is one way that we’re connecting the world to share food and care for one another. To learn more about Sysco please visit www.sysco.ca

We believe in taking a fresh approach to the way food is distributed in our communities, resulting in innovative programs and solutions that have made BC Canada’s leader in food security.   Become a Member Food Banks BC comprises of over 100 member hunger relief agencies. Our members can be found in all corners of the province and in communities from Valemount to Vancouver or Sparwood to Surrey. As we see an increasing need for the services of food banks, Food Bank BC serves to support those who are undertaking this important work. Click below to learn more about membership. Learn More