GREATER VANCOUVER FOOD BANK SOCIETY

The Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide healthy food to those in need. The Society provides food support to approximately 16 000 children adults and seniors monthly through its Vancouver Burnaby New Westminster and North Shore catchment cities. The organization also provides food to the community through partnerships with 150+ Community Agencies and 5 Provincial Agencies which include affordable housing agencies women's and children's shelters and after-school programs providing groceries hot meals and snacks to thousands of people each week including those struggling with homelessness. The Society is committed to its vision of healthy communities through fair and effective food systems. Programs established include: - Distribution Sites: providing direct food access through a safe and welcoming client experience at its three locations. - Agencies: providing in-kind support to over 150 Community and 5 Provincial Agencies. - Baby Steps: specifically targeting babies from birth to 24 months. All food items in this program are high-nutrient products aimed at stimulating healthy growth and brain development. - Preschooler Packs: providing families with preschoolers aged two to five years with a monthly collection of foods designed by a dietitian to build healthy eating habits and support brain and muscle development. - Grade Schoolers: providing children from six to 12 years old with healthy easy-to-prepare food that supports nutritious school lunches and after-school snacks. - Seniors Program: provides a healthy mix of age-appropriate food for 65+ year-olds rich in vitamins and minerals. The program includes food with high nutritional components that are easy to eat and prepare. - Healthy Food Purchasing Program: enables the Society to purchase from local farmers fishers processors and food businesses.