**Creston Valley Gleaners Society** is a Canadian nonprofit organization (Business Registration Number: 118879501RR0001) based in Creston, British Columbia. Established in 1983, the society began as a grassroots initiative by three women who collected surplus produce from local farms and distributed it to families in need[3][4]. Over four decades, it has expanded into a multifaceted organization operating thrift stores, a food bank, and a food recovery program[1][3].

### History  
The organization originated from gleaning practices—collecting leftover crops from farms after harvest—and initially operated from volunteers' basements and garages[3][4]. By the 1980s, donations of clothing and household items led to the creation of thrift stores, whose sales generated funds to support the food bank and community programs[3][4]. As of 2024, the society manages two thrift stores and distributes over 300,000 pounds of food annually through its food bank[1][5].

### Operations  
The Creston Valley Gleaners Society relies on 140+ volunteers to operate its food bank and thrift stores, which provide low-cost goods to the community[1][2]. Its food recovery program redirects surplus or unsellable food to individuals and partner organizations, emphasizing food security and waste reduction[1][3]. Since 2002, the society has distributed over $1.6 million to local initiatives, including school meal programs and agricultural sustainability projects[4][5].

### Community Impact  
Key contributions include:  
- **Food Security**: Annual distribution of hundreds of thousands of pounds of food[1][5].  
- **Funding Support**: Financial grants to local charities and programs focused on education, health, and nutrition[4][5].  
- **Volunteer Network**: A volunteer-driven model that engages over 140 community members daily[1][3].  
In 2024, the society donated $50,000 to bolster food programs, including Harvest Share (produce redistribution) and Feeding Futures (student meal initiatives)[5].