Food banks, First Nations and Métis societies across the Columbia Basin will receive financial aid to provide food support through a $5-million long-term fund from Columbia Basin Trust.
The money will be managed by the Vancouver Foundation, and annual investment earnings will help support and strengthen local food banks and food-access programs.
Columbia Basin Trust president and chief executive officer Johnny Strilaeff said the goal is to create consistent funding so people across the region can continue getting help when they need it.
“This endowment is about ensuring food-access services across the Basin have reliable, long-term funding. When people—from families to seniors—need help, they should be able to count on these services today and in the years ahead, no matter where they live. ”said Strilaeff.
An eight-member advisory committee made up of participating food bank and Indigenous organization representatives will help decide how the annual funding is shared.
The trust said the committee is intended to ensure decisions remain locally informed and community-driven.
Cranbrook Food Bank Society executive director Julie Rose said the funding will help the organization plan ahead and provide stability for individuals and families in need.
“The community across the Basin looks like people coming together to care for one another. This endowment provides vital year-over-year financial stability for our food bank and others, strengthening our ability to invest in local food systems and plan for the future with confidence. For the people who rely on us, it means more consistent access to nourishing food, delivered with dignity, care and compassion.” said Rose.
Communities and organizations included in the program are located in Cranbrook, Creston, Fernie, Golden, Invermere, Kimberley, Revelstoke, the Shuswap and Sparwood.
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