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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

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.

Food Banks BC is pleased to recognize the amazing efforts of our partners who have stepped up to help us end hunger in British Columbia.   Our Partners 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 as we collectively tackle hunger and food insecurity in BC. Food Banks BC is pleased to recognize the amazing efforts of our partners who have stepped up to help us end hunger in British Columbia. Partners Food + Freight Partners Campaign Partners

The guide is a resource for food bank operators seeking to make their food bank environments more accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIIA+ people, community members who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Colour, and other equity-deserving groups. Accessibility and Equity Guide The guide is a resource for food bank operators seeking to make their food bank environments more accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIIA+ people, community members who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Colour, and other equity-deserving groups. To reflect the current best practices and standards , the guide was compiled through an international literature review and interviews with BC food banks. In addition, it is accessible to PDF/UA standards, ensuring accessibility to the broadest audience possible. Download the Guide

We appreciate your support to help us help the Food Banks in BC. Food Donations To make a food donation, please go to the Find a Food Bank page t o connect directly with the food bank in your community. Corpora te Food Donations If you are a company or organization looking to make a larger food donation, please contact our Manager, Food Programs, Sherri Binks Top 10 Requested Items

The Full Cupboard, Island Savings community-based signature program,to raise food, funds and awareness about the critical issue of hunger in the communities. The Full Cupboard - Vancouver Island Donate Now Together, We Make a Difference At Island Savings, we believe in the power of community and the impact of sustained efforts and partnerships. By supporting The Full Cupboard, you can help us build a stronger community and reduce hunger in the Vancouver Island, Pender Island and Salt Spring Island. Since its inception in 2016, The Full Cupboard has been a community-based signature cause program. Thanks to the unwavering support of our valued members, community partners, and passionate team members, we have raised $843,830 and collected 19,158 pounds of food for our 12 food bank partners as of 2025. Every donation you make directly benefits the community where it was given. Together, we can ensure that every individual and family in our communities has a full cupboard. Donate now or visit The Full Cupboard website to learn how you can contribute. Let's work together to create a flourishing community for all.

Food Banks BC is the provincial association of food banks. Our membership is comprised of over 100 hunger relief agencies throughout British Columbia. Support food banks The demand for food banks has never been greater than it is today. We need your ongoing support! Donate Find a food bank Find your local food bank to access services, resources and volunteer opportunities. Find a food bank Who we are and what we do 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. In 2024/25, we directed $4,969,813 in donations and 1,247,572 pounds of donated and purchased food. This support plays a vital role in assisting our member network and the 100,000+ unique clients they serve monthly. Together we are working towards our collective vision of a hunger free British Columbia. Learn more Did you know? 79,000 to 113,000 The number of monthly visitors to food banks has increased by 44% since 2019 31% of all food bank users in BC are children. 1 out of every 3 food bank users is a child 11% of food bank users are seniors, one of the highest proportions across the country 24,283 visits to rural food banks, 11% of the provincial total

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

Today, hundreds of food banks and hunger relief operations are providing services to hundreds of thousands of families and individuals on a regular basis. Food Banks BC Hunger Report 2024 Hunger is a public health emergency in Canada. In British Columbia, the rates of food insecurity have almost doubled since 2019. Food banks are a last resort for many households that are struggling to make ends meet. Canadian food banking is currently facing an unprecedented surge in demand, and BC food banks are struggling to keep up with this unsustainable situation. Read the Hunger Report Hunger in British Columbia Food banks across BC are seeing unprecedented demand. Prior to the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, food banks were experiencing a gradual downward trend in client numbers. Since 2019, the number of individuals accessing food banks has risen by 32%. Furthermore, the number of visits that households made has risen dramatically with an 81% increase from 2019 to 2024. The data on food bank usage in BC shows a clear increase in the number of households facing food insecurity over the last five years. The data also reveals that those households are visiting food banks more often, indicating a deepening in the need for charitable hunger relief support. Individuals Served & Number of Visits in March 2024 This graph depicts the number of individuals served and the number of visits made at BC Food Banks during the month of March from 2019 to 2024, excluding 2020. This continued growth in demand is occuring at a time when the sector is experiencing a general drop in donations, leaving many food banks asking the question, "How long can we sustain this?" Source: Food Banks Canada 2024 HungerCount. Implications of Food Insecurity “It’s about the we, not the I. If my neighbour is well, I am well." Islands Wellness Society Food Bank Food insecurity impacts not only the individual and household experiencing this form of deprivation, but also their community, province and country. We also know that food insecurity, poverty and health are inextricably linked. Research shows that Canadians with higher incomes are often healthier than those with lower incomes. The health impacts of food insecurity go beyond physical challenges associated with poor quality diets. Food insecurity is associated with mental health issues. Poverty and food insecurity can also severely restrict a person’s ability to participate in social life and to achieve gainful employment, creating a vicious cycle of poor physical, mental and social health. There is an intertwining of loneliness, poor health and food access challenges, with intensifying health consequences in later life. Social exclusion results in a lack of social networks that ordinarily help us to mitigate poverty through sharing resources, childcare assistance, transportation, job help and material and emotional support. The Role of Food Banks Canada has a two-tiered food system: those that can afford to shop at grocery stores, and those that can’t. Those that can’t afford to shop at grocers must relinquish choice and control while they rely on charitable food programs to meet the most basic of human needs: nourishment. Modern Canadian social constructs (or perceptions) typically position food insecurity and/or poverty as an individual problem, a personal failing, rather than as a systemic issue that we are all at risk of, to some degree. Today, food banks are serving not only those entrenched in poverty, but those who have always managed to get by until now. Food programs are commonly attached to other social services, providing opportunities to connect with support workers and programs, and increase belonging in community. Charitable food programs, including food banks, are an example of BC’s dependency on the non-profit sector to deliver essential services, bridging gaps in the public support system. Not only is the demand for services growing, but non-profits are incurring significantly higher operational expenses. Meanwhile, the number of Canadians making charitable donations has declined for the 11th year running. While innovation, creativity, compassion and hard work are at the core of charitable food programs, they have their limits. By understanding what creates food insecurity and its disproportionate representation among vulnerable people, we can then explore ways to decrease its prevalence through programs and policies, addressing the public health impacts that poverty creates for us all. “We are operating with the same amount of funding as in the past, but we have had a 300% client increase in the last year.” Mayne Island Food Bank Key Drivers of Food Insecurity in British Columbia “Since Covid ended, inflation has been the main driver, increasing visits by 40%. [...] We are seeing more homeowners and people who got out of poverty that have slid back into it.” Salvation Army Food Bank, Penticton Food insecurity is a complex issue that can be tied to a number of causes and intersections. The HungerCount data reveals that people are struggling with the cost of food and housing, and that for many, employment income is not enough to meet the cost of living. The increasing rates of food insecurity in BC can be attributed to the following recent shifts: Sharp rise in inflation Rapid interest rate hikes The lack of available housing supply, particularly affordable housing The loss of income supports like the CERB and other one-time affordability measures Significant and rapid population growth without the social infrastructure ready to absorb such an influx A slowdown in economic activity and a rising unemployment rate A deep dive into the economic, social and environmental drivers of food insecurity in BC provides clues about policy and program interventions that can address this growing crisis. Policy Recommendations The provincial government has recently enacted some policies that address food insecurity, such as providing funding for school food programs, food hubs, food banks and Indigenous food sovereignty, but more action is required. Politicians need to think beyond their 4-year term and enact long-term solutions that best support our most vulnerable citizens to meet their basic needs through navigating an adequate social support system and providing opportunities to rise out of poverty. When the National Advisory Council on Poverty asked how poverty should be reduced, the top priorities for Canadians as a whole included reducing the cost of food, strengthening health care, reducing taxes on households with low incomes, and reducing the cost of utilities. Among racialized people, the priorities were similar, but they also noted a need for upskilling and training opportunities. Food Banks BC, in alignment with recommendations offered by Food Banks Canada and the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition, recommends the following areas and opportunities to address food insecurity through policy. Increase income Increase food infrastructure and support food programs Support Indigenous food sovereignty Increase equity and Inclusion “Addressing poverty requires addressing systemic inequities and revising the social norms, processes, policy decisions, and legislations that created and perpetuate the problem” Food Banks Canada Food Banks Canada’s 2024 Poverty Report Card gave British Columbia a D+ grade, with over 45% of British Columbians reporting that they feel worse off than last year. The current cost of living crisis requires both short-term relief measures to alleviate inflation-related struggles, and long-term strategies to decrease the demand for social supports by improving housing, economic opportunity and healthcare. Read the Hunger Report Collectively, we can work toward a future where food banks are a thing of the past It will require bold policy commitments from all levels of government, willing, action-orientated participation from the private sector and a resilient, well-resourced social services sector to move us toward a hunger-free British Columbia. We are grateful to everyone who plays a part in progressing food security, social justice and poverty reduction in BC. Donate Interested in learning more about the state of hunger in British Columbia? Read our full 2024 Hunger Report.

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.

The Full Cupboard, Island Savings community-based signature program,to raise food, funds and awareness about the critical issue of hunger in the communities. The Full Cupboard - Vancouver Island Together, We Make a Difference At Island Savings, we believe in the power of community and the impact of sustained efforts and partnerships. By supporting The Full Cupboard, you can help us build a stronger community and reduce hunger in the Vancouver Island, Pender Island and Salt Spring Island. Since its inception in 2016, The Full Cupboard has been a community-based signature cause program. Thanks to the unwavering support of our valued members, community partners, and passionate team members, we have raised $843,830 and collected 19,158 pounds of food for our 12 food bank partners as of 2025. Every donation you make directly benefits the community where it was given. Together, we can ensure that every individual and family in our communities has a full cupboard. Donate now or visit The Full Cupboard website to learn how you can contribute. Let's work together to create a flourishing community for all.

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