By Katrina Chapman, Columbia Valley Food Bank

The generosity of our community inspires the Columbia Valley Food Bank (CVFB). Donations of food items, food recovery efforts, at-cost fees, and financial contributions supplement our nearly $95,000 annual expenses for food purchasing. This spending ensures full food hampers are provided monthly to nearly 900 households annually, of whom nearly 800 of these recipients are children. 

Food bank use in the valley increased by 30 per cent in the first four months of 2023, demonstrating that the need for our services is not waning. 

Beyond providing food hampers (including healthy snacks for children), CVFB programming provides supports for the youngest in our community. These supports result in access by children at local schools to snacks, breakfast and lunch options, and school cooking programs. CVFB funding also benefits the CV Snack Box Program in conjunction with Summit Youth Hub, a partnership with Family Dynamix WISH program, and local daycares through our Healthy Eating Program.

None of this would be possible without the steady commitment of our devoted volunteers. Their consistency, kindness, and generosity are a daily reminder that when we work together, we thrive together. This thank-you also goes out to our dedicated board of directors (past and present), with a special mention to our outgoing chairperson Nesta Becker for her six years of committed service. She is an exemplary model of compassion and drive, so we want to thank her for her contribution to the food bank. And please welcome Eileen Bilodeau as our new chairperson. I am honoured to work and learn alongside people whose experience, passion and skill improve lives.

Meaningful ways to contribute to the CVFB, to help us fulfill our mission to “relieve hunger in the Columbia Valley” include donating non-perishable food items, becoming a monthly donor at www.cvfoodbank.ca/donate-to-the-columbia-valley-food-bank/, or by running your own food drive for your next birthday or event.