Spring and Summer are busy times for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and our New Westminster partners. Over the past two years, the GVFB has seen a drastic increase in need, serving more than 1,500 New Westminster residents and 16,000 between all our catchment cities. We also provide food support to seven Agencies in New Westminster, including Lookout New Westminster Food Hub, Purpose Society, Don’t Go Hungry, and Refood Food Rescue Foundation.
According to 2021 Census data*, 10% of New Westminster residents were low income. 15% of those residents were children, and 25% were seniors living on fixed incomes. More than a third of those living below the poverty line in New Westminster are powerless to change their situation.
For those families with school-aged children, the need is greater in the summer. With the closure of school food programs and the doubling of daycare needs from before and after school to full-time, these families see a cost increase of up to $1000 per child per month in July and August. Kids aged 6 to 12 make up 15% of GVFB clients in New Westminster. Teens are another 7%. These families will be hit the hardest in the coming months.
The GVFB proudly serves our clients fresh, nutritious foods each week. More than 60% of what people receive is fresh, including dairy, proteins, and produce. Additionally, the more vulnerable groups receive our specialized nutrition packs once per month. There are dietician-designed packs for Seniors, Babies, Pre-Schoolers, and Grade Schoolers, all filled with highly nutritious food.
The Spring Food Bank Challenge is an opportunity for the communities we serve to come together to support each other in a fun way. All donations of all sizes will receive a tax receipt via email. All funds raised through the Spring Food Bank Challenge will be used to provide healthy food to those in need. The area that raises the most funds per capita (based on Census 2021 Population data) will be declared the winner of the challenge.
To add a little extra fun to the challenge this year, 50 residents in the winning region (the area that raises the most money per capita) will win a pair of tickets to Foodstock - A Food Bank Fundraiser Festival! Taking place on Sunday, June 23rd, Foodstock is a one-day festival event featuring Yukon Blonde and The Matinee on stage, as well as local breweries and wineries, local artisans, food trucks, and yard games at Swangard Stadium! No donation is necessary to enter to win the tickets. Foodstock is a 19+ event. No minors allowed.