Donate

The Friends in Need Food Bank Society relies on donations from individuals, organizations, companies and businesses. Your donation can be of a general nature to support the operations and programs of the food bank or can be directed to support a specific program.

Donate Food

Giving food is just one way you can support the food bank.

Donate at Your Local Grocery Store

There are two ways you can donate:

1. Look for our marked food donation bins near the front of the store. Bring in non-perishable food from home, or make an extra purchase and pop it in the bin.
2. Look for the BC Share Coupons at the checkout. By adding $2 (or more) to your bill, you are directly helping those in need here in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.

Bring Food to Us

We accept non-perishable food donations at both of our depots. Did you Grow a Row and have an abundance of fresh produce? The Maple Ridge depot can accept donations of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Maple Ridge Depot

#8, 22726 Dewdney Trunk Road (behind Big Feast)

604-466-3663 (FOOD)

Donations are accepted Tuesday to Friday between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Please take all food donations to the back door.

Pitt Meadows Depot

12240 Harris Road at the Grace Community Church

604-460-4619

Donations are accepted Tuesdays and Wednesdays only between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM.

Most Wanted Items

Canned Fruits and Vegetables
Formula and Baby Food
High-Protein Foods (Canned Meats, Beans, Chili, Meaty Soups, Nut-Butters, Peanut Butter)
Meal Replacements (Boost, Ensure)
Pasta and Sauce

Other Needed Items

Providing food staples is our number one priority. But when clients come to us, food may not be the only thing they are lacking. When we can, we offer:

Children’s Birthday Items (Cake Mix, Party Supplies, Small Gifts for Children Up to Age 12)
Diabetes Care
Diapers and Wipes
Hygiene Products
Pet Food

What We Can’t Accept

We know that all donations are given with the best of intentions. However, due to food safety and out of respect for our clients, we cannot accept certain items:

Food in Opened or Broken Packaging
Food Past the Expiration Date
Foods That Must Be Kept Refrigerated or Frozen
Homemade Food
Unlabelled or Dented Cans
Vitamins/Supplements/Medication

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

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Donate Money

By donating money, you are helping us buy exactly what we need, when we need it. This includes baby formula, eggs, dairy and protein. You can choose to make a general donation or to direct your donation to one of our specific programs.

Donate Online Donate Online

Donate in Person

We can only accept monetary donations by cash or cheque and will issue a tax receipt at the time for donations of $20 or more.

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Grow-a-Row

Whether you have a large farm or just a hobby garden, consider Growing a Row for the Friends in Need Food Bank Society. We will even give you a garden stake so you can show your support! And if you find yourself with bushels of beans, tomatoes or berries that you can’t finish, you can donate part of your harvest to the Maple Ridge depot. We will quickly find it a happy home.

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Food Industry

We accept safe, nutritious food from retailers, farmers and wholesalers. If you have a surplus, discounted or close-to-best-before dated product, you can donate it to the Friends in Need Food Bank Society. Through our Perishable Food Recovery Program, we also work with local grocery stores to redirect unsellable but perfectly good food to those who need it.

Giving FAQ

Why can’t I donate refrigerated or frozen foods?

Because we are responsible for the quality of the food we share, we have to ensure perishables are stored and transported appropriately. We have refrigerated trucks to guarantee the “cold chain” is maintained when we do local pickups/deliveries. When it comes to donations, we cannot be 100% sure that refrigerated/frozen foods were stored properly on their way to the food bank.

How do I get a tax receipt?

We issue tax receipts for all donations over $20.

When you donate by cash or cheque at one of our locations in person, you will receive a tax receipt immediately, if time permits. Otherwise, or if you mail a cheque, you will be mailed a receipt within one week.

When you donate online, the system automatically generates a receipt that is emailed to you after you donate.

Can I remain anonymous?

If you wish to donate completely anonymously, you may do so online through Canada Helps. If donating in person and you want to remain anonymous, you will not receive a tax receipt.

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