About Us
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The Friends In Need Food Bank, which began as a series of community initiatives in the early 1980s and formally became a society in 1993, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023. It has grown from modest beginnings to now assist over 800 households every week, operating out of a 3,200 sqft warehouse and an additional perishable food recovery facility, both situated in downtown Maple Ridge.
Our mission is steadfast – to ensure no one in our community goes hungry.
The rising cost of living in recent years has significantly impacted the community, leading to a substantial increase in new clients, students needing school meals and snacks, and families seeking support. The first six months of 2024 brought a staggering 32% increase in the number of households we serve. Sadly, donations have not kept pace with demand, creating a critical gap between our resources and our community’s needs.
The Friends In Need Food Bank is a volunteer-driven organisation, operating entirely through the generous contributions of our community, local organisations and business, and applicable grants. We receive no recurring government funding.
Food donations primarily come from local grocers, retailers, and community members, either individually or through organised food drives and events.
The Friends in Need Food Bank Society is a member of Food Banks BC and Food Banks Canada.
The Friends in Need Food Bank Society is a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency and a registered non-profit organisation. Tax receipts are issued for donations of $20 or more.
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Our Mission
The Friends in Need Food Bank Society exists to provide for the hungry in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. To inform and refer when needed and to raise awareness concerning hunger issues support residents in need in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. It is our mission to ensure no one in our community ever goes hungry.
Guiding Principles
Our Core Values:
- No one in our community goes hungry.
- Every person is deserving of caring, dignity, and respect when using our services.
- Many people are living in poverty due to circumstances beyond their control.
- Any person will be given information and referrals.
- The Friends in Need Food Bank Society will continue to raise awareness concerning hunger issues.
Board of Directors
| Chairperson | Lynda J. Lawrence |
| Vice Chair | Gwen O’Connell |
| Secretary | Ineke Boekhorst |
| Treasurer | Debbie MacRae |
| Directors | Ahmed Yousef |
| Jonie Lagrange | |
| Lawrence Anderson | |
| Eva Boyd | |
| Sandra Ramsay |
Management Team
Executive Director | Mary Robson |
| General Manager | Evan Seal |
| Warehouse Operations | Ian MacKay |
| Pitt Meadows Operations Manager | Clare Devlin |
Local organisations and agencies we are proud to support: