With the staggering levels of food insecurity in our country it’s hard to fathom good food going to waste yet every year billions of dolllars of quality excess food is wasted throughout all levels of the food chain – from farmers, producers and processors, to retailers and households. Read more about this post

In 2006, Lori McRitchie, Executive Director at the Airdrie Food Bank did not know that she would fall in love with the food banking world. The compassion, the support and the kindness are just a few of the characteristics that would describe what she sees every day. Read more about this post

The pandemic pushed food insecurity to new heights in 2020. With businesses closing, unemployment rates skyrocketing and schools shutting down, food banks across Canada were getting ready to welcome the increasing number of clients visiting their food banks. Read more about this post

The theme of National Volunteer Week 2021 is The Value of One, The Power of Many. For the thousands of food banks across Canada, this sentiment rings especially true of the experience throughout the last year. Read more about this post

Heather Richards, now manager at the Peter McKee Community Food Centre has worked with vulnerable populations for many years. When she heard that the Peter McKee Community Food Centre needed someone to run the Food Centre, she knew that she had to step in to help, but it was no cakewalk. Cries for help, tears of joy and struggling clients reaching out were all part of her daily life at the Food Centre. Read more about this post

In order to rally everybody from coast-to-coast-to-coast, the team at Food Banks Canada brought the entire food banking system together in a way they had never done previously. Read more about this post

The task to combat food insecurity is a challenging one on the best of days. Add a global pandemic into the mix and suddenly you’re faced with a mission that’s seemingly impossible. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Monique Trépanier from Moisson Mauricie / Centre-du-Québec in Trois-Rivières, QC. Read more about this post

Food bank use is an impossible choice. Most of the time, clients end up at a food bank because of unfortunate situations. It could be job loss, mental or physical health issues, or a vast variety of other reasons. For Mark Leblanc, Executive Director at the Shediac Food Bank, it started as an escape from an abusive family, but it turned out to be one of the best things that could’ve happened to him. Read more about this post

Food banks across Canada have seen the importance of filing taxes to access valuable government supports, and many are offering free tax clinics. One great example is the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre (SFBLC), which has been running a free clinic since 2015. Read more about this post

Aisles of fresh produce and shelves stocked with a variety of goods. It’s not exactly what comes to mind when most people think about food banks. However, there are food banks that operate EXACTLY like this. One great example is the Unemployed Help Centre (UHC) in Windsor. Read more about this post

2020 has been a year of stress, anxiety, and change. Lockdowns in place, job losses across the country—Food Banks knew they would have their jobs cut out for them as they anticipated an increase in clients. But the difficult challenges would not stop them from helping their neighbours. It just meant they had to find creative ways to continue operations. Read more about this post

Now, more than ever, food banks need YOUR support. Here are some of the items food banks need the most. Read more about this post

For Lisa Wernham, Director of National Food Sharing at Food Banks Canada, the logistics around how to increase distribution to food banks requiring help, quickly became a pressing need. Fortunately for Lisa, she had a great team she could rely on. Read more about this post

As food banks across Canada work hard to ensure that people do not have to worry about their next meal, our staff are also working to find long-term solutions to ensure that people are no longer suffering from hunger. This is something that Richard Matern, Director of Research, takes seriously. Read more about this post

It was business as usual for the Whitehorse Food Bank Society; packing and distributing food hampers to approximately 1,300 people a month. Then the pandemic hit. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Richard Daneau from Moisson Montréal in Montréal, QC. Read more about this post

While food banks and other charitable organizations are there to provide for the immediate need, Phil Ozga, Director of Advocacy and Government relations, works hard behind the scenes to find long term solutions for hunger. Read more about this post

Food insecurity in the North is disproportionately higher than other parts of the country, with Nunavut having the highest rate. According to recent research, 57% of households in Nunavut are unable to afford food for their families. Read more about this post

If there was ever any doubt, the pandemic has made it clear that no one in society is truly protected until everyone is protected. Read more about this post

“After a long year of COVID physical distancing, we came together as one to feed families for Christmas.” – Angela Griffin Read more about this post

The past several months have also demonstrated the important role that IFB and other food banks play beyond the scope of food insecurity. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Zeeshan Sumrani from Mississauga Food Bank in Mississauga, ON. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Corra Gassner from Kamloops Food Bank in Kamloops, BC. Read more about this post

His sincere empathy and commitment for helping others meant that not even impending retirement would be enough to slow Norman down in the wake of a sudden crisis. Read more about this post

10% of households in Greater Vancouver are considered to be food insecure. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Wanda Hillier from Community Food Sharing Association in St. John’s, NL. Read more about this post

The Loblaw Holiday Food Drive begins on November 23 in Quebec and November 26 in the rest of Canada and runs until December 24, 2020. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Alex Bilotta from The Food Bank of York Region in Concord, ON. Read more about this post

In these times of uncertainty, FCC Drive Away Hunger will look a little different. Read more about this post

While we continue to strive for an improved income-security system that will better integrate with provincial social-assistance programs and build on the basic income model, automatic tax filing is an important win that will make a difference in the lives of people who need it most. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Joan Clarkson from Helping Hand Food Bank in Tillsonburg, ON. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Celina Symmonds from Medicine Hat and District Food Bank in Medicine Hat, AB. Read more about this post

Food banks also face a challenge when receiving donations, because it’s not often that period products are top of mind for donors. But there are some people willing to help. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Norman Dunn from SOS Dépannage/Moisson Granby in Granby, QC. Read more about this post

Food banks throughout the country are also trying to negotiate these uncharted waters. When people are out of work, they often have to rely on food banks. Read more about this post

As the economy and livelihoods of millions in our country are temporarily put on hold as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadians recognize the vulnerability of their neighbours and communities in being able to meeting their basic needs, and have responded with overwhelming generosity and support. Read more about this post

For National Volunteer Week 2020, we are more grateful than ever for the thousands of dedicated volunteers in food banks across the country, serving their communities during this critical time. Read more about this post

To help offset these transportation costs, Food Banks Canada established the Rural Transportation Grant. To date, thanks to the generous support of Sygenta and Farm Credit Canada, more than $777,000 has been distributed to rural food banks across the country Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Alex Boyd from Greener Village in Fredericton, NB. Read more about this post

Join Walmart Canada and Food Banks Canada in making a difference in the lives of those experiencing hunger in Canada through Walmart Canada’s fourth annual Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign. The campaign kicks off on February 18 and runs until March 20 in Walmart stores across the country and benefit local food banks. Read more about this post

When you’re choosing items to donate to your local food bank, consider donating nutritious foods, particularly those that are considered heart-healthy. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Diane Corkum from Project SHARE in Niagara Falls, ON. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Peter Sinclair from Loaves and Fishes Food Bank in Nanaimo, BC. Read more about this post

Here are some ways you can incorporate helping Canadians in need into your annual holiday traditions. Read more about this post

Financial contributions to Food Banks Canada are critical, but donations of resources such as transportation, skills, or services — known as “gifts-in-kind” — play an equally important role in helping us carry out our work. Read more about this post

During the festive season, giving back to the community becomes a priority for many. However, the hustle and bustle of the holidays can make it challenging to find the time to do so. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Mark LeBlanc from Vestiaire Saint-Joseph in Shediac, NB. Read more about this post

More and more, food banks are confronted with the question of how the public should donate – food or funds – and while food banks are all different, we would encourage our fellow Canadians to consider donating both. Read on to learn why. Read more about this post

Here are some of the items food banks need the most this holiday season. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on David Long from Greater Vancouver Food Bank in Burnaby, BC. Read more about this post

Take action this Halloween and find a local food bank to give funds, food or time! Read more about this post

We believe that Canadians deserve a government that will reduce the crippling cost of early learning and childcare across the country for far too many families. Read more about this post

If you are thinking of making a food bank donation this holiday season, please consider these nutritious items in this handy list. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Robin Bailey from the Burlington Food Bank in Burlington, ON. Read more about this post

Since its inception, FCC Drive Away Hunger has raised over 50 million meals! Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Maral Kiani Tari from Lethbridge Food Bank in Lethbridge, Alberta. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Bruce McRae from Niqinik Nuatsivik Nunavut Food Bank in Iqakuit, Nunavut. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Eg Walters from Community Food Sharing Association in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Stacy Elia from GBF (Grimsby Benevolent Fund) Community Services in Grimsby, Ontario. Read more about this post

You helped hungry children play and dream this summer. Read more about this post

There continues to be confusion about best before dates and expiry dates on food and what they really mean to food banks. Many people incorrectly say food has “expired” if it reaches its best before date, so they throw it out. Others complain that best before dates on food actually increase food waste. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Sandy Singers from the Partners in Mission Food Bank in Kingston, ON. Read more about this post

Food banks across Canada do critical work to feed their neighbours in need every day. What some may not realize is that many also connect people with the tools, resources, and education needed to address the root causes of food insecurity – which is poverty and low incomes. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Gert Reynar from the Leduc & District Food Bank Association in Leduc, AB. Read more about this post

From April 4 to April 18, 2019, Loblaw Companies Limited stores nationwide are accepting both cash and food donations on behalf of local food banks. Show your support for Canadians in need by donating food or funds during the Loblaw Spring Food Drive! Read more about this post

Searching for ways to inspire your team in 2019? Want a way to build morale and pride through active relationships with a charity? Here are 5 quick tips to get the most out of your charitable partnership. They may just help make an impact both in engaging your employees and your charity partner! Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Tristan Newsome from the Food Bank Society of Whitehorse in Whitehorse, Yukon. Read more about this post

Join Walmart Canada and Food Banks Canada in making a difference in the lives of those experiencing hunger in Canada through Walmart Canada’s third annual Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign. This year’s goal is to reach 13 million meals! The campaign will run from February 14th to March 13th in Walmart stores across the country and benefit local food banks. Read more about this post

While perishable foods cannot be collected for food drives, there are plenty of healthy options readily available in the canned and packaged food aisles of your local grocery. Here are some suggestions. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on June Muir of the Unemployed Help Centre in Windsor, Ontario. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Chrissie Roberts of East Wellington Community Services in Erin, ON. Read more about this post

Financial contributions to Food Banks Canada are critical, but donations of resources such as transportation, skills, or services — known as “gifts-in-kind” — play an equally important role in helping us carry out our work. Read more about this post

This holiday season, give back to your local food bank. Someone you know—a neighbor, a coworker, a friend—could be relying on food banks just to get by. Just a simple donation can make a huge difference. Read more about this post

As we gear up for the holiday festivities, our minds turn towards the season filled with loved ones, gift exchanges and favourite dishes at the dinner table. The holiday season is also the quintessential time to spread the spirit of giving to help those in need. Supporting food banks in your community is a great way to spread this spirit in a season filled with good cheer and kindness. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Laurie O’Connor of the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre in Saskatoon, SK. Read more about this post

Each year the CP Holiday Train, beautifully bedecked in colourful lights, travels across Canada and the US delivering joy, hope — and music — while collecting donations for food banks in the communities along its route. This year Canadian Pacific (CP) celebrates the twentieth year of this magical event, which is just part of CP’s ongoing, year-round support of Food Banks Canada’s National Food Sharing System. Read more about this post

We’ve all done it before — headed into our pantry to round up those never-been-eaten canned goods or strange spaghetti to cobble together a food drive donation. But are those odds and ends what food bank recipients need the most? Read more about this post

In May of this year, I participated with the French’s team in a packing event organized by Food Banks Canada for their After the Bell program. This event brings together teams of corporate volunteers to assemble the food packs that will be given to children experiencing food insecurity over the summer months, when school food programs aren’t available. Read more about this post

Supporting food banks in your community is a great way to spread this spirit in a season filled with good cheer and kindness. Here are some ways you can incorporate helping Canadians in need into your annual holiday traditions. Read more about this post

Did you know that girls and women represent 49% of the adults who access food banks each month? That’s about 430,000 individuals who not only need access to food but also to items like feminine hygiene products. Read more about this post

Through their help, we have been able to acquire and share millions of pounds of food and provide program grants to food banks across the country. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Joy Haxton of the Lake Country Food Bank in Lake Country, BC. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Kerri Abbott of Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Carbonear, NL. Read more about this post

Hunger is an issue in Canada, but it doesn’t have to be. Read more about this post

On September 17, 2018, Food Banks Canada launched its newest, most integrated tool in support of the food bank network. Welcome to Ignite Knowledge Centre! Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Mike MacDonald the Upper Room Hospitality Ministry and PEI Food Banks. Read more about this post

Since its inception, FCC Drive Away Hunger has raised over 40 million meals! Read more about this post

With help from the +Fresh Gardens & Growing Fund, through Food Banks Canada, Compass Group Canada and Bayer Inc., the Regina Food Bank purchased and installed four aeroponic Tower Gardens in our Four Season Urban Agriculture Centre in May 2018. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Danielle McIntyre of Interfaith Food Bank Society of Lethbridge. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Nick Jennery of Feed Nova Scotia! Read more about this post

Just imagine, by simply decreasing the amount of healthy and edible food going to the landfill, we can strive for improvements in our environment! Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Michael Maidment of Ottawa Food Bank in Ottawa, ON. Read more about this post

On May 14th and May 15th, Food Banks Canada hosted over 300 corporate volunteers from 15 corporate companies who came together to show their commitment to relieving child hunger and allowing kids to have a worry free and joyful summer. Read more about this post

The Compass is set up like a small store that we call “The Market”. The shelves are stocked with a variety of goods, all arranged to replicate the appearance of a traditional retail grocery store. We carry food, personal care items and household goods. Using financial donations, we buy items like fresh milk and eggs, a selection of frozen meat and vegetables, and four types of fresh produce. Read more about this post

Every day, food banks across the country work to raise the food and funds needed to assist the 860,000 people who access their services each month. We are asking elected representatives and their staff to engage in a different, yet equally important step towards reducing hunger in Canada. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Meghan Nicholls from The Mississauga Food Bank in Mississauga, ON. Read more about this post

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) has over 21,000 members in 39 locals across Canada. In 2015, IATSE participated in the first annual Every Plate Full Challenge. Read more about this post

1.7 Million Canadians turned to a food bank last year. Join Walmart Canada and Food Banks Canada in making a difference in the lives of those experiencing hunger in Canada through Walmart Canada’s second annual “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign. Read more about this post

Volunteering means different things to different people. Margaret, for instance, initially got involved because she had free time she wanted to fill and thought since the food bank was close to her apartment, it might be a good thing to do. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Chantal Senecal, Executive Director of Food Depot Alimentaire in Moncton, New Brunswick. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Stephen Wallick of Niqinik Nuatsivik Nunavut Food Bank in Iqaluit, Nunavut. Read more about this post

Did you know that the foods we eat can help prevent chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease? A nutritious diet keeps us feeling well for longer. And meals don’t need to be made up of fancy or costly foods! Read more about this post

If you are thinking of making a food bank donation, please consider these nutritious items in this handy list. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Chris Hatch, the new CEO of Food Banks Canada. Read more about this post

For this heart month, consider helping others in your community who are struggling with hunger by donating heart-healthy items. Read more about this post

Northern folk are proud of their communities and of their land. Despite the dark cold, most wouldn’t have it any other way. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Volker Kromm, Executive Director of the Regional Food Distribution Association in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Read more about this post

Especially around the holidays, it feels good to participate in an effort to help our neighbours. Read more about this post

More and more, food banks are confronted with the question of how the public should donate – food or funds – and while food banks are all different, we would encourage our fellow Canadians to consider donating both. Read on to learn why. Read more about this post

This month, our spotlight is on Feezah Jaffer, Executive Director of the Surrey Food Bank in Surrey, British Columbia. Read more about this post

The holiday season is the quintessential time to think about ways to spread good cheer and help put food on the tables of those in need. Supporting food banking is the perfect way to participate in the spirit of the season. Here are some ways you can incorporate helping Canadians in need into your annual holiday traditions. Read more about this post

For 19 years, the CP Holiday Train has travelled across the US and Canada, stopping in towns and cities to deliver live music and setting the stage for seasonal festivities. The CP Holiday Train also continues to help raise money and heart-healthy food items for local food banks during the festive season. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Sarah Norman, of the St. George and Area Food Bank in Saint George, New Brunswick. Read more about this post

The holiday season is the quintessential time to think about ways to spread good cheer and help put food on the tables of those in need. Supporting food banking is the perfect way to participate in the spirit of the season. Here are some ways you can incorporate helping Canadians in need into your annual holiday traditions. Read more about this post

Fresh from the Farm has become much more than a youth gleaning program. It has provided the youth with a summer long nutrition and education experience of a lifetime. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Lenetta Parry, Executive Director of Central Okanagan Food Bank in British Columbia. Read more about this post

From September 18-September 22, 2017, food banks across the county will come together to mark Hunger Awareness Week, a week dedicated to bringing attention to the issue of hunger in Canada and the important role food banks play in addressing hunger. Read more about this post

In 2004, a Farm Credit Canada employee decided to use his vacation time and his tractor and wagon to help his community. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Lori McRitchie, Executive Director of Airdrie Food Bank in Airdrie, AB. Read more about this post

August kicks off the beginning of the back to school routine. The season of new haircuts, new clothes, school supplies, and don’t forget about the registrations for all the after school programs! Back to school can be a wallet-draining, stressful time of the year for most families. What about the families who are already struggling to make ends meet? How do they cope with the added costs? Read more about this post

When the final school bell rings, not all children enjoy worry free summer vacations or weekends. Food insecurity doesn’t stop with the warm temperatures or days off, or as we say “hunger doesn’t take a vacation”. Many children who participate in school breakfast and lunch programs during the school year have gaps in reliable food sources. Read more about this post

Families come in all kinds of shapes and forms but regardless of structure, many families across Canada are struggling financially. Job loss, ill health or other issues affecting the family income can weigh particularly heavy on a parent, especially when he or she feels not able to provide the necessities of life, such as food. Thousands of fathers face this every month and need to turn to food banks to fill the gaps. Read more about this post

Every year, we recognize the companies that made outstanding commitments to Food Banks Canada and a difference in the lives of Canadians with our Corporate Donor Awards. Read more about this post

On May 16 and 17th, Food Banks Canada hosted more than 240 volunteers from our corporate partners, committed to making kids’ summer joyful again by helping to relieve their hunger! Read more about this post

Some people were raised with gardening in their blood, others have no experience with it at all. Either way, it is a worthwhile endeavor. This activity is catching on with many Food Banks in a big way. Read more about this post

On May 17th, Food Banks Canada has asked all Parliamentarians and their staff to fast for the day to feel what it’s like to go through an average day without enough food to eat. Read more about this post

From the day a woman becomes a mother, her children look to her as a source of protection and well-being. Many mothers feel the overwhelming need to provide for their children, so, imagine the heartbreak when, due to life circumstances, a mother is not able to consistently put food on the table. Read more about this post

We are thrilled to have been named winner of the People’s Choice Award in the recent Google.org Impact Challenge. Along with that honour comes a sizeable grant that will help us create a digital tool to acquire and share more food than ever before and get it more quickly into the hands of people in need. Read more about this post

As food drive season ramps up before the spring holiday, it’s a great time to reconsider the role that food banks have in their communities. Here we share insights into the services that food banks provide to better help recipients meet their own long-term needs. Read more about this post

Food Banks Canada’s Response to the 2017 Federal Budget Read more about this post

Food Banks Canada has been chosen as one of the 10 finalists in the Google.org Impact Challenge to receive funding to support the development of its FoodAccess app. The Google.org Impact Challenge will grant $5 million across 10 projects that have the potential to change the world and make an impact in people's lives. Read more about this post