Tackling Hunger in BC
Every British Columbian should have access to the food they need
Donate today and join us in the fight to tackle hunger in BC!
Food Insecurity in BC
Food Insecurity and hunger are among the most pressing issues across British Columbia, affecting hundreds of thousands of individuals and families in communities throughout the province.
BC’s first food banks began offering emergency support almost 45 years ago as a temporary response to hard economic times. Now, they have become an essential lifeline and a permanent fixture in our social support system.
Rising living costs, economic uncertainty, and the lingering impacts of global crises have made it more difficult for many households to afford their basic needs. At the same time, pressures like climate change and supply disruptions are placing extra strain on food systems, limiting access to nutritious, affordable food even more.
Food banks continue to play a critical role in helping people through difficult times. But, addressing food insecurity requires more than emergency food relief. It calls for sustainable, dignified solutions that strengthen communities, improve access to healthy food, and ensure that everyone in British Columbia has the nourishment they need to thrive.
The BC Hunger Report
We launched Food Banks BC’s annual Hunger Report in 2024. It is BC’s foremost examination of food bank usage for the province.
The report provides critical data and insights into who is accessing BC’s charitable hunger-relief services. It also looks at the factors that have brought us to this point of record-breaking demand. Along with outlining the issues, the report presents policy recommendations to alleviate the unsustainable strain on the charitable food sector and move people beyond poverty.
Our sincere gratitude to Food Banks Canada and Feed Ontario for paving the way for this work through their excellent, conscientious research and reporting.
Expanding Our Impact
Supporting food banks has always been central to our work.
However, the challenges of food insecurity today go beyond providing food at food banks and are more and more visible across many parts of society.
In response, Food Banks BC has developed a growing range of programs and grants to address critical gaps in food access. These initiatives support communities facing unique barriers, including school food programs, remote and northern communities, and emergency response during times of crisis.
Our programs help strengthen food access across British Columbia.
Provincial Programs Funding Breakdown
In 2024/2025, Food Banks BC distributed $4,976,302 across four program areas:
- Agency Relief Fund
- The Resilient North Program (Rapid Stimulus Grants)
- School Meal Programs
- Emergency Support
Together, we are not only meeting immediate needs, but also building more resilient, accessible food systems across the province.
National 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 is happening on the front lines of the country’s food banks: how many people are using the services, who is accessing them, and why. This information is critical in helping us understand food bank usage trends and the policy recommendations that will move us towards tackling hunger and reducing food insecurity in BC.
Poverty Report Cards
Food Banks Canada’s Poverty Report Cards track and compare poverty at the federal level annually.
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.
2026 Poverty Report Card
This report identifies the latest key drivers of poverty and offers an ambitious, practical roadmap to modernize EI, strengthen income supports, and build a more equitable and resilient Canada.