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Overwhelmed food banks can no longer compensate for systemic gaps. There has been a 79% increase in the number of visits to BC food banks since 2019. Food Banks BC Hunger Report 2025 Food insecurity is at a record high in British Columbia, with food bank usage soaring to unprecedented levels. This crisis is not a result of personal failure but of systemic issues: poverty and a frayed social safety net. Read the Hunger Report Hunger in British Columbia Overwhelmed food banks can no longer compensate for systemic gaps. British Columbia is experiencing an affordability crisis, with an increasing number of BC households unable to cover the cost of essential needs. Increased costs are also affecting BC's charitable hunger relief sector, with many food banks reaching their capacity to meet the demand. Many food banks reported shortages of food and donations, forcing them to purchase more food, place limits on how much food they can distribute, or change how often their clients can pick up food. We've seen a 79% increase in the number of visits to BC food banks since 2019. Individuals Served & Number of Visits in March 2025 This graph depicts the number of individuals served and the number of visits made to BC food banks during the months of March from 2019 to 2025, excluding 2020. Although the majority of BC's food banks reported an annual increase in the number of individual clients served, there was a 1% decrease in the overall number of visits to food banks over the same period. This is a lack of capacity, not need, as many food banks have reported that they have reduced the frequency of their services to sustain demand. Source: Food Banks Canada 2025 HungerCount. Food Bank Use in BC: Key Findings “We have not had to close our doors completely yet, but we have run out of fresh products and have had to give clients the choice of taking a non-perishable only hamper today or returning at another time." — Hope Food Resource Centre While many of those experiencing food insecurity turn to family and friends for help, choose to go without some essentials, or use food banks intermittently, our data on the 113,606 individuals that received support from BC food banks in March 2025 gives us a glimpse into the picture of hunger in our province. 1.3 million or 24.4% of British Columbians are experiencing food insecurity. 113,606 individuals used a BC food bank in March of 2025, a 9% increase over 2024, and a 44% surge since before the COVID-19 pandemic. 33,000 children received food from BC food banks, 31% of all clients. Since 2019, the HungerCount data shows not only substantial increases in the number of individuals and visits, but also a growing share of families and employed clients. With 1.3 million out of 5.7 million British Columbians missing meals, eating less, and worrying about where their next meal will come from, there are far too many of our neighbours facing impossible choices for themselves and their families. Digging into the Demographics Analysing the identity, income sources, housing situations and reasons for accessing food banks helps us to understand where our social safety net is falling short of protecting population groups disproportionately impacted by poverty. Identity The 2025 HungerCount shows an annual increase in the number of racialized community members and immigrants or refugees; 9% and 4% increases respectively. Accounting for a third of all clients, children continue to be concerningly overrepresented at BC's food banks. Income The number of people with employment income that are accessing BC food banks has more than doubled since 2019, making up the highest proportion of food bank client income sources. Regional variations highlight the intricate relationship between local economies, housing costs, and employment — a relationship too complex to explain fully with available data, but strongly linked to broader trends in affordability and economic opportunity across the province. Housing Type Market rental housing remains the most common housing type for BC food bank clients, making up 75% of clients' housing. In 2025, we continue to see an increase in the number of homeowners, climbing 1.4% to 8.7% of clients, and a doubling of the proportion of emergency and youth shelter users to 4%. Reasons for Accessing a Food Bank The cost of food has emerged as the leading cause of food bank visits in BC, with inadequate income from work and cost of housing cited as other primary drivers of food bank use in BC. The average Canadian household is predicted to spend $800 more on groceries in 2025 than in 2024, and we've seen a 31.7% rise in the cost of food in BC since January 2019. “The rise in food bank use is no longer limited to the unemployed or unhoused. Increasingly, it’s workers who are turning to these services." — Living Wage for Families BC (2025) Managing the Demand "One thing that continues to stand out is that the increase in client usage has made everything at our food bank significantly more complex." — Kimberley Helping Hands Food Bank Food banks are facing a dual crisis: a surge in demand coinciding with a sharp decline in support. According to a Food Banks Canada network survey, 11% of BC food banks have turned clients away because they have run out of food, and 81% of food banks reported the cost of food as a challenge for their food procurement, compounded with a decrease in monetary donations. Most food banks operate with minimal or no paid staff , relying heavily on volunteers for daily operations. With scarce resources stretched to a breaking point, many are struggling to maintain their current level of service. Despite being stretched to their limits, and with no core funding, food banks are responding with ingenuity. Their deep commitment to community is fueling new efforts to pool resources and connect clients with supports that foster economic resilience. Collaboration in Action As food insecurity rises, so too does the number of organizations fighting it. Yet, this very success creates a new challenge: more groups are now vying for the same finite pool of donations and volunteers. Rather than fragmenting their efforts, BC’s food banks are leaning into the adage that we are “stronger together.” A powerful wave of collaboration is building, with formal and informal networks emerging across the province to ensure help reaches those who need it most. Going Beyond Food: Off-ramping Clients Food banks are innovating by becoming community hubs. In many small BC communities, they are the primary service provider for low-income households, naturally evolving into central locations for integrated social supports. These now often include employment, immigration, and social services. These formal and informal partnerships are vital, co-locating essential supports directly within a trusted community environment to help people navigate poverty. Policy Recommendations Achieving a hunger-free province is possible. The data from food bank usage helps inform the strategic government investments we need to see to meet this goal. While food banks are working tirelessly to meet the day-to-day food needs of their communities, they are not a solution to food insecurity. Poverty and food insecurity carry economic, social, and ethical costs to society. Research has shown that government has the power and the obligation to address poverty through policy. To this end, Food Banks BC, in alignment with the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition, proposes four pillars for policy action. Build community food security: Strengthen local food systems and infrastructure Support municipal and community capacity building Ensure stable and inclusive funding for nonprofit food organizations Improve household incomes: Strengthen income and disability supports Advance wage equity Build a plan to enact a Basic Income Guarantee Commit to expanding funding for universal food programs in all public schools Support and fund the creation of an Indigenous Poverty Reduction Strategy Support Indigenous food sovereignty: Recognize and uphold Indigenous food sovereignty Advance reconciliation through education and data Increase funding and support for Indigenous food initiatives Provide provincial governance and national leadership: Legislate a provincial target to reduce food insecurity rates by 50% by 2030 Establish a Cabinet Working Group, a Parliamentary Secretary for Food Security, and a multifaceted Food Security Secretariat Advocate for reform at the federal level Food banks demonstrate incredible resilience every day, but charity alone cannot solve this systemic crisis. The good news is that we have a proven solution: purposeful government policy. "Strengthening and rebuilding the safety net — reinforcing those ropes of support — will restore hope and provide people with the stability they need to move forward." — Central Okanagan Food Bank One in four British Columbians are facing food insecurity, and a third of them are children. Women, Indigenous and racialized communities, newcomers, and people with disabilities are disproportionately affected. History shows us that targeted investment can, and has, driven down poverty and food insecurity. We can achieve this again, by championing policies that build food security, ensure adequate household incomes, support Indigenous food sovereignty, and provide governance and national leadership. Read the Hunger Report Together we can create a different future for British Columbia Food Banks BC and our members are striving toward an end to hunger and food insecurity. Your support helps us in our efforts to alleviate hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow for ALL British Columbians. Donate Interested in learning more about the state of hunger in British Columbia? Read our full 2025 Hunger Report.

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 Canada Customer Experience Hotline at 1.877.280.0329 Complaints Policy Policy Statement This policy, guiding principles and procedures apply to complaints received by Food Banks BC about all aspects of our operations, including activities, service, staff and volunteers. It also applies to complaints received by Food Banks BC about the activities, service, staff and volunteers of our member Food Banks throughout the province. While Food Banks BC is not a regulatory or supervisory body, it is an expectation of Food Banks BC that the staff and volunteers of both Food Banks BC and Member Food Banks abide by the Food Banks BC Code of Conduct and Commitment to Ethics and will apply those standards in the resolution of complaints. Guiding Princip les All complaints will be dealt with promptly and resolved as quickly as possible. Review of complaints will be fair, impartial and respectful of all parties involved. Complaints will be directed to the person or service provider most able to directly and expeditiously address the conce rn. Complainants will be provided the basis for decisions and outcomes relating to their complaint. Complaints will be used to assist in improving service, policies and procedures. Complaints A complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction or concern about the service, action or lack of action by Food Banks BC or a Member Food Bank. Examples may include (but are not limited to); Perceived failure to deliver agreed-upon services, Failure to uphold policies and procedures, Error made by staff member or volunteer, Unfair or discourteous conduct by a staff member or volunteer. Complaints will be received from those individuals who are personally and directly affected by the action and complainants will be expected to identify themselves when bringing forward their complaint. Food Banks BC will not retaliate against individuals who make good-faith complaints. Complaint Receipt A complaint may be received verbally (by phone or in person) or in writing (by mail or email). Any representative of Food Banks BC who receives a complaint should direct the complaint to the Executive Director who will determine the most appropriate person (which may be a Food Banks BC staff or board member, or someone external to the orga nization) to handle the complaint and redirect it to that person, letting both the recipient and the complainant know about this action undertaken. The person to whom the complaint has been directed for resolution is most fre quently the one with the specific knowledge and capacity to address the issue. It is the responsibility of the person in the food banking organization who is receiving the complaints for action to either resolve it or undertake to find a resolution from a source most able to address it. Resolution Complaints received should be acknowledged within 2 business days and if possible, staff should undertake to begin resolution within that same timeframe. Every effort should be made to resolve complaints in a timely fashion. For complaints regarding a member organization, Food Banks BC will request that the member organization provides details to Food Banks BC about how and when the complaint will be resolved. Documentation Food Banks BC will keep and maintain a complaint tracking system. At Food Banks BC basic information must be recorded immediately as the complaint is received in order to help with accuracy, accountability and understandin g of the complaint. Information recorded will include; The name of the complainant and their contact information, A brief description of complaint and source of concern, The name of the receiver of the complaint, any referrals for resolution, Outcome if determined, and Time frame. An annual summary of complaints will be presented to the Board of Directors of Food Banks BC, which will include the number, type, and disposition of the complaints received over the previous 12 months, in sufficient detail for board members to understand the overall nature and impact of complaints received.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

The Full Cupboard, Envision Financial community-based signature program,to raise food, funds and awareness about the critical issue of hunger in the communities. The Full Cupboard - Fraser Valley Together, We Make a Difference At Envision Financial, 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 Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland, and Kitimat regions. Since its inception in 2013, 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 $1,764,228 and collected 93,768 pounds of food for our 11 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. Donate Now

Important information on our available programs and resources. Food Bank Resources Welcome to our library of resources dedicated to promoting hunger relief in a safe, dignified manner while ensuring the utmost safety for your organization. In a world where food insecurity remains a pressing concern, it is essential to equip individuals, communities, and organizations with the knowledge and tools needed to address this issue effectively. This collection of resources serves as a valuable guide, offering insights, strategies, and best practices that empower you to make a meaningful impact on hunger relief efforts, all while prioritizing the safety and dignity of those you aim to assist. Whether you are an individual volunteer, a community organization, or a larger nonprofit entity, we hope these resources will help serve as a trusted source of information in tackling hunger in your community. Food and Workplace Safety Learn more Food Bank Operations Learn more Perishable Food Recovery Learn more Emergency Preparedness Learn more Accessibility and Equity Guide Learn more

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

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