Food Banks Canada Proudly Welcomes the Food Bank Society of the Yukon as the First Territorial Food Bank Association
August 6, 2025—In a significant step toward strengthening food security and sovereignty across the North, Food Banks Canada is proud to welcome the Food Bank Society of Yukon as the country’s first territorial food bank association.
This affiliate agreement will see the Food Bank Society of the Yukon assuming a special role as the new territorial association representing Yukon food banks. The Food Bank Society of Yukon supports over 2000 clients across the territory each month; 1 in 20 Yukoners are currently accessing Food Bank Services.
“We look forward to supporting the Food Bank Society of the Yukon as it works to build community-based solutions to address the urgent challenge of reducing food insecurity in the North, which reached a historic high of 36.4% in 2024 – compared to 22.9% in the provinces,” explained Food Banks Canada CEO Kirstin Beardsley. “Rising housing, living costs and inflation are magnified in the North which makes it imperative to bring food support to everyone who may need it, regardless of geography.”
“This is a meaningful milestone for the Yukon,” said Dave Blottner, Executive Director of the Food Bank Society of the Yukon. “We’re proud of to join Food Banks Canada as the first territorial association, and we look forward to helping amplify the voices of northern communities. Together, we can build food systems that reflect the realities of the North, solutions that are community-driven, culturally grounded, and rooted in dignity.”
The Food Bank Society of Yukon team will help build trusting and long-lasting relationships with community members, organizations, and local governments in the North to share information, consult and work together toward reducing food insecurity in northern communities.
In addition, the Food Bank Society of Yukon will play a leadership role in Food Banks Canada’s Northern Advisory Committee, which convenes community leaders, elders and organizations to provide advice and expertise based on their knowledge and experience of local needs.
About Food Banks Canada
Food Banks Canada is the leader in addressing food insecurity in Canada. Our mission is to provide national leadership to relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow in collaboration with the food bank network from coast to coast to coast. For over 40 years, food banks have been dedicated to helping people living in Canada with food insecurity. Over 5,500 food banks and community organizations come together to serve our most vulnerable neighbours, who – this year – made over 2 million visits to these organizations in one month alone, according to our HungerCount report. Since 2010, Food Banks Canada has shared over $1 billion in food supports and over $275 million in funding to help maximize collective impact and strengthen local capacity – while, backed by leading research, advocating for meaningful actions from governments to counter hunger and its root causes. Our vision is clear: create a Canada where no one goes hungry. Visit foodbankscanada.ca to learn more.
About the Food Bank Society of the Yukon
The Food Bank Society of the Yukon is the territorial association representing food banks and food security organizations across the Yukon. It works to reduce hunger and strength local capacity by supporting community-driven food solutions across the North.
For media inquiries or interviews:
Food Banks Society of the Yukon: Dave Blottner, Executive Director, ed@yukonfoodbank.ca
Food Banks Canada: Debra Quinn, debquinn@sppublicrelations.com | 647-985-7162
