March Newsletter
Thank you for being part of the Friends In Need Food Bank community. In this month’s newsletter, we share updates on what’s been happening at the food bank as we move into spring.
Welcoming Our New Executive Director
We are pleased to welcome Kim Boekhorst as the new Executive Director of the Friends In Need Food Bank. Kim officially stepped into the role on March 1, following the retirement of longtime Executive Director Mary Robson, who served the organization since 2013.
As seen in the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows News, posted March 2, 2026. By Colleen Flannagan
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.
News and Updates
March is Nutrition Month
March is a time to highlight the importance of ensuring everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food, regardless of income or living circumstances.
Research shows that individuals experiencing food insecurity are at higher risk for negative health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, certain cancers, stress, anxiety, and depression.
Access to nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, and protein plays an essential role in supporting both physical and mental health. Through our Perishable Food Recovery Program, we work with local grocery partners to rescue food that might otherwise go to waste. This program allows us to provide more fresh, whole foods, helping reduce reliance on processed shelf-stable items.
Here’s a look at the impact of recovered perishables in February:
Demand is rising - Donations are Falling
Food insecurity in Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows is rising, and our community needs support.
At the Friends In Need Food Bank, demand continues to grow:
Nearly 1,000 households rely on the food bank every week
We are seeing 40–50 new families register each month
At the same time, community donations are down 19.8% compared to last January.
Families in our community are struggling with rising food costs, housing pressures, and everyday expenses. With no recurring government funding, the food bank relies on the community for support. If you are able, a small donation today can make a meaningful difference for a local family
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Loblaws Feed More Families Spring Food Drive
Loblaws is hosting their annual Spring Food Drive campaign from March 19 until April 5. This campaign raises essential donations in support of the food bank network across Canada!
You can help by donating a non-perishable food item in-store, or by making a monetary donation at Shipley’s No Frills and Real Canadian Superstore Pitt Meadows.
100% of food and fund donations are directed to the Friends in Need Food Bank!
Food Drive at Chances Casino
We’re excited to partner with Chances Casino Maple Ridge for a community food drive this month.
Drop off non-perishable donations at the front entrance now until March 31. If you don’t have food to bring, you can also support the food bank by tapping your card at one of our TipTap donation machines.
If you win big, consider giving some back to help local families in need.
Community Voices
Here are a few words shared by staff from SD42 secondary schools participating in our School Meal and Snack Program, which provides food to support more than 2,000 students each week. This program is made possible thanks to the generosity of our community.
Food Bank Closure Dates
Please note that the Maple Ridge food bank will be closed Friday, April 3rd for Good Friday.
We wish everyone a safe and happy Easter weekend!
- Friends in Need Food Bank