Food Donations | Non-Profit Organization

About Us

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 30^th anniversary in 2023. It has grown from modest beginnings to now assist over 800 households monthly, 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.

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.

Constitution and Bylaws

We Are Here To Help If You’re
Experiencing Food Insecurity

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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
Volunteer Coordinator/Client Services	Nancy Nagy
Warehouse Operations	Ian MacKay
Pitt Meadows Operations Manager	Clare Devlin

Local organisations and agencies we are proud to support:

Organizations We Provide Food To- updated August 25_2023.pdf

Programs and Community Partnerships of Friends in Need Food Bank Society

1. School Meal/Snack Program

The program was established in September 2016 after a successful pilot project from January to June 2016. Friends in Need Food Bank (FIN) provides each week during the school year food to high schools and outreach programs in School District 42 based on the individual needs of the school. This allows breakfast and snacks to be made on-site for anywhere between 10 and 80 students per day. Schools submit their order at the end of each week and which are delivered at the beginning of the following week. These items include fresh dairy products such as milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt, baked goods, etc. As of June 2023, more than 6,000 students benefit from school programs on a weekly basis.

2. Golden Ears United Church

Saturday Community Supper - 5:30 pm

3. Community Outreach Services

We provide, in partnership with the different agencies, emergency food, personal care items, diapers, etc. for their clients, and then work with them to get those clients registered at FIN. FIN also refers its clients to other community agencies when required and provides information of community resources.

4. Weekly Access

FIN provides low-income families and individuals with a supply of essential foods every week, including fresh produce, meat, bread and bakery items, deli, and dairy.

For our shut-in clients, we provide a home delivery service every two weeks.

5. Protein & Produce Program

Each client receives produce and protein (as available) on a weekly basis through the Perishable Food Recovery Program.

6. Milk and Eggs Program and Special Dietary Needs

Women throughout their term of pregnancy receive milk and eggs every two weeks from the date we receive a doctor’s note until the child reaches the age of one. Diapers will be provided twice a month until the child reaches the age of 2.5.

Children up to age 16 receive 1 litre of milk and 1 dozen eggs twice a month. When there are more than two children in a family, then two litres of milk will be provided twice a month.

Seniors aged 55 and above receive 1 litre of milk twice a month and a dozen eggs once a month. If two seniors live in one household, then they receive 2 litres of milk. People with special dietary needs are eligible to receive milk and eggs when requested by a doctor’s note.

7. Special Needs

FIN supports needs of clients who have special dietary requirements, including persons with diabetes, cancer and celiac disease when product is available.

8. Baby Essentials

To any mother who is expecting or has a child up to age one, FIN provides milk and eggs as well as a one-time layette containing new baby items once the baby is born. The mother must bring in the baby’s birth bracelet. They also have access to diapers, formula and baby food.

To any family with kids up to age 16, FIN provides milk and eggs.

Pregnant mothers receive milk and eggs every two weeks from the date we receive a doctor’s note until the child reaches the age of one. Diapers and wipes are provided twice a month until the child reaches the age of 2.5.

9. Women’s Care

These products are given out once a month and provided to women up to the age of 55.

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