St. Joseph's Food Bank, supporting the community

In the heart of our community lies a testament to compassion and resilience—St. Joseph's Food Bank. What began in 1990 as a modest service in the basement of St. Joseph's Parish church has evolved into an indispensable resource for those facing food insecurity.​

Over the years, the food bank has grown, reflecting a deepening commitment to its mission. In 2008, St. Joseph’s Food Bank became an official registered food bank for Mission, BC, and is a  member of Food Banks BC and registered as a service provider by Food Banks Canada.  Their efforts came to fruition in 2015 with the completion of the St. Joseph's Food Bank building.

However, as the demand for their services has surged, so too have the challenges. In 2021, they served 968 clients; by 2022, this number had risen to 1,415. After the Food Banks Canada Hunger Count 2023, they realized that they are now serving 1,843 unique individuals per month, with client numbers continuing to increase year over year.
Currently, they operate with 75 volunteers, along with 2 full-time and 2 part-time staff members. They maintain operations seven days a week, receiving, distributing, and picking up food from local grocery stores and suppliers. Thanks to the support of generous suppliers and dedicated volunteers, they have been able to extend their assistance to many community and school programs.

Distribution days occur every second Wednesday and Thursday, from 9:00AM to 12:00PM. Additionally, to accommodate working families unable to visit during the day, they open every opposite Wednesday evening from 4:30PM to 6:30PM.
Their biggest challenge is the need for expansion. A lack of space inhibits their ability to store perishable items, hindering their capacity to meet the growing demand. The proposed addition to the existing building comes with a price tag of $400,000.

St. Joseph’s Food Bank encourages youth groups, classes, sports teams, and any groups with a desire to volunteer, during the day or evenings, to contact them at Sandra2010cas@hotmail.com or (778) 536-3663. They are currently in need of the following food items: pasta, pasta sauce, oatmeal, cereal, peanut butter, pancake mix, syrup, soups, canned fruit, vegetables, baby food, and diapers. Monetary donations can also be made at www.missionfoodbank.com.

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