Newsletters
February 2026 Newsletter
News & Events
In 2024, food insecurity in Canada continued to climb, remaining at record levels. Rising housing costs, higher interest rates, and ongoing inflation on essential goods have pushed even more households to the breaking point. Families and individuals who were once able to get by are now struggling to afford basics like groceries, rent, and utilities. As a result, many people who never imagined needing a food bank are now turning to us for help.
To continue our mission of ensuring no one in our community goes hungry, we urgently need your support.
Both food and financial donations are deeply appreciated. Monetary contributions allow us to purchase the items most in demand, while food donations help keep our shelves stocked for those who need them most.
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Latest News
News Release Effective March 1, 2026
A new leader has taken over the reins at the food bank that supports the communities of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. Kim Boekhorst has officially been named as the new executive director of the Friends In Need Food Bank as of Sunday, March 1. Boekhorst is taking over the role from Mary Robson, who held the position since 2013, and whom board chair Lynda Lawrence described as a respected leader and advocate in the community for many years.
Under Robson’s leadership, said Lawrence, Friends in Need strengthened its food security programs, expanded outreach, and established strong partnerships with local businesses, service organizations, and volunteers. In her endeavor to reach all our homeless and individuals in need, Robson made it the organizations’ mandate to arrange partnerships with outreach organizations able to identify and service those unable to visit the food bank, noted the board chair. This enabled outreach workers to address special needs through customized selection, paired with home delivery. “We are deeply grateful for Mary’s commitment and leadership throughout her tenure and wish her all the best in her retirement. Her dedication to supporting vulnerable individuals and families has had a lasting impact on the organization’s mission and culture,” Lawrence added.
During Robson’s tenure, the Perishable Food Recovery Program was launched in September 2017, providing fresh food to clients – surplus food from local stores and farms, that would otherwise end up in a landfill. To date, more than 7.5 million pounds of food have been diverted from landfills and repurposed. Robson also led the food bank through the challenges of the 2020 pandemic, making sure volunteers adapted service delivery to ensure safety while continuing to provide clients with fresh, healthy food.
“It has been my pleasure to serve the residents of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows alongside so many dedicated and compassionate volunteers and a deeply caring, generous community. While I am stepping back, I will continue to be involved,” said Robson who will continue to provide limited financial oversight during the transition as Boekhorst assumes the leadership role. Boekhorst was chosen following a comprehensive search and selection process last year, explained Lawrence. He has lived and worked in Maple Ridge for 46 years and brings a long history of community involvement, leadership, and relationship building. He has been an active volunteer with both the food bank and other local charitable initiatives and believes strongly in giving back and supporting those in need. “We are confident that Kim will continue Mary’s legacy of compassion and service while bringing new ideas, energy, and a renewed commitment to strengthening food security in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. We remain committed to our mission which is to ensure that no individual in our community ever goes hungry,” Lawrence added.
The Friends in Need Food Bank Society serves Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, with a mandate to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. Through community partnerships, volunteer support, and dedicated leadership, the organization provides essential food and resources to those in need.
As published in Maple Ridge News (March 2, 2026).
By Colleen Flanagan
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Notice of Annual General Meeting
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Friends In Need Food Bank Society, we are pleased to announce that our 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on
Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
This meeting is open to all members of the Friends In Need Food Bank Society. The AGM will include a review of our financial statements, updates on the past year’s activities, and the election of Directors to the Board. We look forward to sharing our progress and plans for the future with you.
Please see the below document for further details.
Help Us Cover Our Annual Property Taxes
Every week, more families, seniors, and individuals turn to the Friends In Need Food Bank for support, and we are proud to be here for them. But we do this essential work without any ongoing government funding. In 2025 our property taxes increased by 9.76%, bringing our total bill to $19,750.
Unlike many essential services, food banks like ours receive no financial relief from federal, provincial, or municipal governments — not even for basic operating costs such as rent, utilities, or property tax. To keep our focus on what matters most — feeding our community — we have launched a Property Tax Fundraising Campaign to raise the funds to pay for the annual property tax.
Your support makes a direct impact. Every dollar raised through this campaign will go toward our property tax bill. Your donation will help us keep our doors open, continue serving those who rely on us each week, and maintain vital programs like our Perishable Food Recovery Facility.
Donate now using the button below or by scanning the QR code on our campaign materials.
Want to do more? Help spread the word and encourage local decision makers to recognize and support the essential role of food banks in our region.
Thank you for helping us turn compassion into action.
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Food Drives
At Friends In Need Food Bank, we are proud to support and encourage food drives that help keep our shelves stocked with nutritious food for those in need. These drives are an essential part of our mission to fight hunger and strengthen our community. Organized by individuals, businesses, schools, and community groups, food drives are a powerful example of what we can achieve together. They not only provide essential items to people facing food insecurity but also foster generosity, connection, and community spirit.
Below you will find everything you need to plan a successful food drive — from tips on organizing and promoting your event, to guidelines on health and safety, and details on the foods we need most. You will also learn how to deliver your donations to the food bank.
Whether you host a one-time event or an ongoing food drive, your efforts make a real and lasting difference. Thank you for helping us create a stronger, healthier community for all.
Let’s make an impact — one food drive at a time.
Food Drive Protocol
We want every food drive to be safe, efficient, and impactful. Following our Health and Safety guidelines helps protect clients, volunteers, and staff, while ensuring donations are handled and distributed smoothly. By organizing your food drive with these guidelines in mind, you help us make the most of every contribution and get food to those who need it most.
Below you’ll find simple steps to plan, promote, and deliver a successful food drive.
