Kamloops Food Bank Society

Overview

The Kamloops Food Bank Society, with a business registration number of 130076201RR0001, is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing hunger and food insecurity in Kamloops, British Columbia. Founded in 1981 by Hank Woodland, it began operating in the basement of Kamloops United Church as a response to the economic hardships of the early 1980s, particularly high inflation rates[2][4].

History and Development

Initially supported by several community churches, including Sacred Heart Catholic Church and St. Paul’s Anglican, the Food Bank expanded its services over time to meet growing demand[4]. The organization became formally established with a drafted constitution approved in September 1988, followed by incorporation[4]. It has since relocated several times to accommodate increasing client numbers, settling at its current location in 2002[4].

Programs and Services

The Kamloops Food Bank Society operates several key programs focused on food recovery and distribution:

• foodSHARE Program: This is one of the largest food recovery programs in Western Canada, aimed at rescuing perishable food items from grocery retailers and distributing them to families, schools, community agencies, and farmers[3]. By year-end 2022, the program had set a goal to recover over 2 million pounds of food[2].

• Starfish Backpacks Program: This initiative provides food-filled backpacks to school children who may not have enough food over weekends. In fiscal year 2021, the program supported approximately 144 children weekly[3].

• Baby Bank Program: Offering essential supplies such as diapers, formula, and baby food, this program seeks to alleviate financial burdens on families, ensuring they can afford nutritious food for their infants. In 2021 alone, 54,600 diapers were distributed through this program[3].

Recognition and Awards

The Kamloops Food Bank has been recognized for its contributions, receiving awards such as the Business Excellence Award from the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, and being named a Top 10 Canadian Food Bank by Charity Intelligence in 2022[2][3]. It is also a five-star charity known for its transparency and high impact[3].

Partnerships and Affiliations

The organization is a member in good standing of Food Banks British Columbia and an affiliate member of Food Banks Canada[1][2]. It collaborates with numerous local community agencies and schools to extend its reach and support networks.

Mission and Impact

The Kamloops Food Bank Society’s mission is encapsulated in its motto: "Sharing Food - Feeding Hope." The organization aims to eliminate hunger in Kamloops by providing access to nutritious food. It serves nearly 6,000 individuals, supports over 40 community agencies and schools, and assists nine smaller regional food banks[5].

In recent years, the Food Bank has expanded its services, tripling the number of school children receiving backpacks and distributing a record amount of food to clients and partner agencies[2]. Its commitment to reconciliation and equality is evident in its acknowledgment of operating on the traditional lands of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc territory[2].