Support continues for Columbia Valley Food Bank

Submitted by:

Katrina Chapman, executive director

Columbia Valley Food Bank

Reducing food waste in Canada requires that a staggering 11 million tonnes of edible food be diverted from landfills, according to the Second Harvest food rescue organization. In Invermere, the Columbia Valley Food Bank (CVFB) is taking part in this rescue mission. A successful partnership facilitated by Second Harvest, with Joe’s No Frills (in conjunction with Loblaws Canada), has allowed for the recovery of more than 3,300 meals. Volunteers pick up these contributions three times per week. This accounts for nearly 9,979 kilograms (kg) green house gases averted from our local landfill. The categories of food rescued include meat and fish, bread, dairy, crackers, cereal and some non-food items. Occasionally we receive fruits and vegetables when available. Since the CVFB has participated in Second Harvest, our costs to purchase meat have significantly decreased. It has also provided increased variety that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive to offer.

The CVFB food recovery initiative was originally prompted by a partnership with the Golden Food Bank who was acquiring more food than they could store. This was a result of their participation with Second Harvest in 2021/2022. As we expand our food recovery efforts, other items are brought in from food service providers including Edible Acres Café, True Taste Café Waffles, and frozen soup prepared by Rocky River Grill and Station Pub.

We have also been supported by other businesses in expanding food options provided. Ongoing support continues from many local businesses. Non-perishable food items, locally grown produce and local meat products are regularly donated. Annual event food drives such as Feed the Valley and Feed the Town, support our vision to relieve hunger in the Columbia Valley