FoodBanks BC
Food Banks BC is the provincial association of food banks in British Columbia, supporting 107 hunger relief agencies and aiming for a hunger-free province through various programs and initiatives.
Services
Food Banks BC supports 107 hunger relief agencies across British Columbia. The organization provides resources to assist member agencies in combating hunger in their communities. Key services include launching programs like the Perishable Food Recovery Program to reduce food waste, the School Nutrition Pilot Program for schoolchildren, and the Emergency Food Support program to address urgent food needs during crises. Other initiatives include 'The Resilient North,' focusing on northern communities, and the 'Basics for Babies®' campaign, which addresses shortages of baby products at food banks.
Programs and Initiatives
Food Banks BC operates several programs aimed at fighting hunger and increasing food security. These include 'Feed the Valley,' which has raised nearly $3 million and collected 99,560 pounds of food, and 'Sysco Kick One In Program,' an initiative to fight hunger. The 'BC Share' program allows shoppers to donate $2 at checkout to support local food banks, and 'The Full Cupboard' supports food banks on Vancouver Island and in the Fraser Valley. Additionally, the 'HungerCount' survey provides a national snapshot of food bank usage and trends.
Perishable Food Recovery Program
The Perishable Food Recovery Program launched by Food Banks BC aims to reduce food waste and increase access to fresh food. This initiative received $12.5 million from the Provincial Government to purchase necessary equipment for food banks across British Columbia. The program ensures surplus perishable food is effectively collected and distributed to those in need, helping to address food insecurity and minimize food waste.
Food Bank Usage Trends
Food bank visits in British Columbia have increased by 57% since 2019. Thirty percent of all food bank users in the province are children. Additionally, the number of seniors accessing food banks has risen by 20% over the past two years. Despite this growing need, donations to food banks across British Columbia have dropped by 30%, highlighting the ongoing challenges in meeting the demand for hunger relief in the region.
Membership and Affiliations
Food Banks BC is a member of Food Banks Canada, an organization that provides a national network and support system for food banks across the country. This affiliation allows Food Banks BC to collaborate on national initiatives and participate in surveys like 'HungerCount,' which provides valuable data on food bank usage and trends across Canada.