June 2026 Newsletter
The numbers continue to reflect both the growing need in our community and the incredible efforts of our staff and volunteers. In May 2026, Friends In Need Food Bank recorded 3,063 visits, a 9.63% increase year-over-year. We supported 1,023 households (a 14.94% increase) and 2,251 individuals (a 19.73% increase). We also welcomed 65 new clients during the month.
While new registrations were lower than May 2025, demand for food support continue to grow. Behind every number is a person, family, senior, or child relying on the support of the community. Thank you to everyone who helps make this work possible.
Community Support Highlights
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Vancity Credit Union for awarding Friends In Need Food Bank a $2,000 Community Branch Grant at the end of May. This funding will help support our ongoing efforts to provide food assistance and essential services to community members experiencing food insecurity. We are grateful for Vancity's continued commitment to building stronger, healthier communities and for their support of our mission.
A It is important to us to recognize and applaud our hardworking volunteers and staff members. We see the dedication, care, and effort you brign everyday to help ensure our community remains fed and supported. Behind the scenes, our teams work tirelessly to recover, sort, and redistribute thousands of kilograms of food that would otherwise go to waste. Through your commitment, fresh produce, dairy, meat, bakery items and other perishable foods reach individuals and families throughout our community who rely on these services. The success of our programs is a direct reflection of your hard work, teamwork, compassion and passion for helping others. Whether you are volunteering your time, driving deliveries, sorting food, supporting clients, or coordinating operations, your contributions make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many people. On behalf of everyone at Friends In Need Food Bank, thank you for all that you do. We are truly grateful for your continued dedication and the positive impacts.
A Reminder About Food Insecurity in BC
The recent released Food Banks BC Poverty Report Card serves as an important reminder that many British Columbians continue to face significant challenges related to affordability, housing, income security, and access to basic necessities. Food Bank's Canada Poverty Report Card examines how poverty, housing affordability, employment, and social supports are impacting people across the country. The report highlights that food insecurity remains at crisis levels, with approximately one in four Canadians struggling to afford enough food. It also points to rising unemployment, increasing housing costs, and gaps in income supports that continue to place pressure on households. The findings reflect what we are seeing every day at Friends In Need Food Bank. More working individuals, families with children, and seniors on fixed incomes are turning to food banks for support. Food insecurity is nto an isolated issue - it is closely connected to housing affordability, employment opportunities, health and access to essential supports. While food banks play a critical role in helping people meet their immediate needs, long-term solutionss require addressing the root causes of poverty. The Poverty Report Card serves as an important reminder that ensuring access to food is a shared responsibility and a key part of building healthy resilient communities. Click below to read the report.