The hallmark of a caring community.
About Us
The Richmond Food Bank is a dynamic hub that connects people, food, and services that are essential to health and well-being – the hallmark of a caring community. The Richmond Food Bank gives healthy and nutritionally-balanced food to more than 2,800 people in a typical week, providing Richmond residents with healthy food choices and connecting our clients to services that address the root causes of poverty.
Our Values
Respect
Service
Cooperation
Accountability
Advocacy
Our History
Founded on March 6, 1983 by the congregations of St. Alban’s Anglican Church and Richmond Presbyterian, the Richmond Food Bank has continuously provided nutritious food for our neighbours in need. Twenty families were served on that first day and our numbers have since grown enormously.
The Richmond Food Bank is a registered charity with a volunteer board of directors. Our work is supported by our community of donors and volunteers who generously donate food, money, and time to help us with our vision of creating a community where no one goes hungry.
Over the years
We have moved around Richmond – including our first location in Howard De Beck School, the Public Works Yard on Lynas Lane, two locations in Steveston, and finally in our present location in Richmond City Centre (#100-5800 Cedarbridge Way). Every move has been made without missing a single distribution day thanks to the hard work of our volunteers and the support of local businesses and organizations.
Partnerships
The Richmond Food Bank is a member of Food Banks BC and Food Banks Canada. We also hold memberships with many community organizations including Richmond Cares Richmond Gives, Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition (formerly Richmond Poverty Response Committee), Vantage Point, Volunteer Canada, the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, and the Richmond Community Services Advisory Committee.
Richmond Food Bank Facts
- We have provided weekly grocery service to Richmond residents since 1983.
- We serve 2,800 people and give out over 20,000lbs of food each week.
- For every $1 we spend, we can distribute about $7 worth of food (based on 2022 data).
- 55% of our clients are temporary users, most of whom are suffering through a crisis.
- 25% of our clients are children under 18.
- 30% could be self-sufficient, but have cost of living concerns.
- 15% are long-term users with multiple barriers to employment, including chronic illness, mental health problems, or disabilities.
- Roughly 4% are transients and have no fixed address.
- 180 people volunteer every week, as well as many volunteer groups from a variety of organizations.