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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 Food banks started operating in 1981 as a temporary measure to provide relief to a small number of people experiencing financial hardship. Over 40 years on, the need for food banks in BC has never been greater than it is today. With 382,000 British Columbians living in poverty according to the Market Basket Measure, B.C. currently has the second highest poverty rate (tied with two other provinces) in the country. This number includes 43,000 children in low-income families and 36,000 seniors. The COVID-19 pandemic and the affordability crisis have had a devastating impact on the household budgets of hundreds of thousands of British Columbians. This has resulted in people turning to food banks and other hunger relief supports in record numbers. Combined with the impact of climate change in creating emergency food access and significant challenges for BC’s farmers and producers, it is clear to see how creating dignified access to food, reducing food insecurity, and strengthening our food systems have to be prioritized. Food Banks BC is committed to this work . 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 2024 HungerCount report here . 2024 Poverty Report Cards Food Banks Canada’s 2024 Poverty Report Cards paint a devastating look at the diverse ways poverty is impacting people in every province or territory in Canada. The full series of report cards provide detailed provincial, national, and territorial analysis and statistics, along with updated interactive, digital maps to hold governments to account. Despite the scale of the crisis, most governments are not responding with the urgency that is needed. The Poverty Report Cards show that almost half of people nationally (44%) feel financially worse off compared to last year and 1 in 4 are experiencing food insecurity. Click here to see how British Columbia scored.

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 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. Previous Next

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 Sysco Kick One In Program Kick One In is a Sysco BC initiative to help fight hunger and increase food security in our local communities. Donate Now

Programs Food insecurity and food acce ss 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. 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. School Nutrition Pilot Program Learn more Emergency Food Support Learn more The Resilient North Project Learn more Perishable Food Refrigeration Learn more Agency Relief Fund Learn more

Food and Workplace Safety 10 Canned Food Myths Download Client Safe Food Transportation Download Food Distribution Guidelines Download Industry Food Donations Download WorkSafe BC Food Processing Download Anti-Racism Resource Download Donation of Game Meat Download Guidelines For Food Shelf Life Download Respectful Workplace Model Download Links Food Premises Regulation Canadian Food Inspection Agency Food Safe Certification

Perishable Food Recovery Perishable Food Recovery Guide Download