Food Banks BC
Mission Statement
Supporting each other, Food Banks British Columbia and its members will strive to minimize hunger, provide a unified voice and ultimately better people's lives.
British Columbia is a large and geographically diverse province with a population of 4.4 million. BC is the 3rd largest province in Canada with an area of 364,764 sq. miles.
Food Banks British Columbia (FBBC) is the provincial association representing 93 food banks which help almost 100,000 people each month.
FBBC BC is responsible for:
- Coordinating the distribution of product made available through Food Bank Canada’s National Food Sharing System
- Coordinating the BC Share program which raises 1 million dollars worth of food for food banks throughout the province
- Coordinating provincial fund raisers
- Liaising between member food banks and Food Banks Canada
- Educating the public on the hunger issues in BC
May 7-11, 2012
How Kitimat, BC is supporting Hunger Awareness Week: The West Coast Amusements is in Kitimate for 2 weeks and if people bring in two items for the food bank they get a ticket which lets them get their bracelets for $30.00 and can spend all day at the Carnival and go on all the rides they want. The Kitimat Food Bank supplies volunteers to collect the food and give out the tickets. For the past several years the food bank has received a tremendous amount of food over the two days.. This year a Grade 7 class is coming in to help sort the food and put it on shelves etc. and of course a tour of the food bank. The District of Kitimat Recreation department just did a fun run with donations to the Food Bank.
And in Summerland, BC: Giants Head Elementary School is participating in Hunger Awareness week. Each day the kids will be "giving up" one of their school snacks at recess (ie: a granola bar, fruit cup etc). There will be a bin located at the school and the kids are encouraged to come and donate it to the Summerland Food Bank. This event was initiated by 6 year old Caleb. There are just over 300 kids in the school and they will be participating for the whole 5 day school week.
Lumby, BC Reports: The Legion will donate all their profits from a meat raffle to the Lumby Food Bank.
The Powell River Food Bank has gone all out: They have paired with Shaw, and while they are handing out information and answering questions about Food Banks across Canada, they are doing the food collection. Launi Robertson has done all the printing a volunteer, Ray Smith, has built us a free standing screen on which we have some facts and information about the Powell River Food Bank as well as those across Canada. This has been an exhilliating time as they are also on TV to promote Together is Amazing and Hunger Awareness Week with Campbell River and Comox. It makes our isolated City feel a part of the larger picture which is hunger in our country. They are hoping to educate the people who use our sevice that their voices can be heard through voting, talking to their MP's, MLA's, and local councils.
Thank you CAFB and FBBC for all the information and for keeping us in the loop. We are very appreciative.
Harvest House, Chemainus BC: Last Saturday they ran a Fill the Bus fundraiser in Chemainus in conjunction with Hunger Awareness Week. In total they collected 1942 pounds of food and $2004.00. It was the most successful campaign they have ever had.
SHAW'S "TOGETHER IS AMAZING" - FILL THE FOOD BANKS 2012
On April 10th, Shaw kicked off its second ever Fill the Food Banks campaign in hopes of ensuring that food will be the last thing on the minds of Canadians.
In 2010, by working with schools, customers, businesses, employees and people across the country Shaw raised an incredible 2.6 million pounds during its first food drive. Teaming up with Campbell Canada, Food Banks Canada and shipping partner Purolator, Shaw is asking Canadians to come together once again and help fill the food banks with even more food this time around. This year's campaign will span just over 4 weeks, culminating at the end of Hunger Awareness Week on May 11, 2012.
Visit www.togetherisamazing.com for more information.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SIKH SEVA FOUNDATION WHO RAISED OVER 8,000 LBS OF FOOD IN APRIL FOR FOOD BANKS BRITISH COLUMBIA!
NOTICE OF AGM & CONFERENCE
The AGM & Conference for Food Banks British Columbia will be held in Prince George at The Coast Inn of the North, 770 Brunswick Street, Prince George on June 17, 18 & 19, 2012. For more information please contact Arlene at or 604-314-9414.
Sponsors:
Prince George Salvation Army Family Services
If you are interested in sponsoring, please contact Arlene at or 604-314-9414
Food Banks British Columbia is seeking an individual to join our dynamic team. Food Banks British Columbia is an equal opportunity employer offering a 6 month contract position with the potential for renewal. This position is open to all candidates residing in British Columbia. (click on Job Opportunity for the details)
FOOD BANKS BC HELPS FOOD BANK MEMBERS...
If you are a member food bank who requires food contact for assistance.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR FOOD BANKS BC
Contact Person: Arlene Kravitz - Administrator
Address: P.O. Box 313 - 720 6th Street, New Westminster, BC V3L 3C5
Phone: 604-314-9414 Fax: 604-544-4007
E-mail:
Media Contact:
Don Armstrong - President
604-792-0001
604-316-0528 (cell)
Food Banks British Columbia is a member of Food Banks Canada and follows their code of ethics (www.foodbankscanada.ca)
