HOW CAN YOU HELP FEED THE COLUMBIA VALLEY FOOD BANK

Your help is essential, but there are some key things to consider if you are looking to effectively support our local food bank.

Many Canadians rely on food banks and local food organizations to feed their families and find support in hard times. Now, with more Canadians turning to these supports, and donations and available volunteers decreasing, they need our help more than ever. Today, we are giving our clients the support they need to help them through this difficult time.

The Columbia Valley Food Bank is community owned and community supported, meaning that all of our donations come directly from generous community members like YOU! In such uncertain times it can help to reach out to your neighbors, get together through safe physical distancing and support those facing food insecurity.

Donate Time & Talent

Volunteers are critical at almost any food bank.

Every role—whether it is working in the warehouse sorting food, organizing a special event, or volunteering pro bono—is an important way to help those in need.

For more information on volunteering, please visit our volunteer page here .

Making a financial donation

Giving money to a food bank covers the costs of the necessities that donated items fall short on.

Plus, when you make a financial donation to your local food bank the gift is tax-deductible for you.  The food bank can then strategically decide what they do with the cash and how far to stretch it.  The Columbia Valley Food Bank, for example can stretch a $1 donation to $3.

Give personal items

Personal hygiene items are always welcome.  These items may include:

  • shampoo
  • lotions
  • soap
  • toilet paper
  • toothbrushes
  • toothpaste
  • feminine hygiene products
  • deodorant
  • laundry detergent

These are all products that are high in demand at most food banks and are not routinely purchased.

Donate in kind

Donations of goods like

  • office space
  • roadworthy vehicles
  • office equipment

are significant contributions that will lower operating costs for a food bank.

Additionally, professional legal or financial services will also make a substantial impact.  We invite you to contact us to see how these donations could be tax deductible.

Visit our website regularly

Under our DONATION page we have a list of items that are required and not required.

As well, you can also donate online or give monthly donations.

Host a fundraiser

Rally your networks to support your local food bank by hosting a fundraiser!

Get creative by:

  • hosting a used book sale
  • a bake sale
  • organize a ‘causal dress day’ at work and ask donation for the cost of wearing your favourite jeans
  • organize a car wash
  • host a golf tournament

Get more fundraising ideas here if you are looking to be inspired

Vote!

One of the driving factors for food bank use is poverty which is a result of economic distributions, low incomes and government policies that don’t provide adequate support, according to Food Banks Canada.

They add that to support people out of poverty and drive down the number of people turning to food banks across the country, government policies need to change.