Clients

Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30-2pm

Last Wednesday of the month 4:30-5:30pm

Be treated with patience, understanding, dignity and respect

Be treated equally

A safe physical and emotional space

What is the Columbia Valley Food Bank?

The Columbia Valley Food Bank was incorporated in 2000, and has since been providing access to healthy food for individuals and families from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats.

Its main activity is to provide food hampers comprised of approximately 23 lbs. per person, which is intended to provide a 5 to 7 day supply of food.

The hampers are based on and customized to the client, ranging in size from individual to 9-person.  Clients may access this service once every 30 days, although in exceptional circumstances emergency hampers may be provided.

Where and when can I access the food?

The CVFB is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon.

It is housed in the Albert Cooper Building, opened in November of 2019.  It is located at 201B 7th Ave., across the main road from the Columbia Valley Centre. We are directly next door to the Summit Youth Hub.

We no longer prepare hampers in advance and require all clients visit us during our hamper distribution hours. Please contact us at 250-342-0850 if you require additional support.

Phone us or email us and leave a message, and we will attempt when possible to make alternate arrangements.

Transportation shouldn’t be a barrier to accessing food. If getting to the food bank is difficult, please get in touch. We have received a temporary grant that allows us to support clients who need help getting here, as long as it fits within the grant’s requirements. Let’s talk and see what we can arrange.

What do I need to bring with me to receive food?

I’ve never had to use the services of the food bank – I’m nervous about going – what can I expect?

We understand that making the decision to come to a Food Bank can be a difficult one. You’re not alone. The CVFB serves many clients every week, of all ages and walks of life.

Our staff and volunteers work to create a positive, safe, and welcoming environment for our clients. You can expect to be welcomed, treated with patience, understanding, dignity and respect.

You will also find that we have incorporated physical distancing and other health and safety practices at our location to keep you, our staff and volunteers as safe as possible during the COVID-19 crisis.

You can expect a safe physical and emotional space.

How do I access food if I am unwell and staying home?

There are some options:

• A friend or family member can pick up your food for you, but please phone us to let us know who is coming in. You can contact us by telephone at 250-342-0850 or by email at info@columbiavalleyfoodbank.ca
• In some circumstances home delivery may be arranged, but this is not a regular practice for our volunteers.

I’m concerned about being in public places during peak cold/flu/COVID seasons. Is the CVFB a safe place?

We regularly follow guidance from provincial health authorities and take precautionary measures to provide a safe and healthy environment for clients, staff and volunteers. We have a large food distribution area to help us all maintain reasonable physical distancing from each other.  Frequently touched surfaces are disinfected regularly and our volunteers have access to 4 hand washing stations throughout our facility.

If you feel debilitating unwell we ask you to contact us to determine how we can support you off site. If you have cold, flu or COVID symptoms, we suggest you wear a mask to protect others.

The amount of food you receive is based on the number of people in your household.  Generally it is around 23 lbs. per person.

What kind of food is available?

A typical hamper contains milk, eggs, peanut butter, canned fruit, soup, brown beans, kidney/assorted beans upon request, tuna, diced tomatoes, vegetables, spaghetti sauce, tea or coffee, orange juice, pasta, macaroni and cheese, cereal, sugar, rice, oats, flour, crackers, bread, margarine, carrots, potatoes, onions, frozen chicken, ground beef and pork or wild meat (when available).  In addition there is a ‘help-yourself’ section in the front where other items donated to us may be chosen.

On occasion we are able to distribute cheese, fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen meals, and other items donated.  Such items are noted on the white board inside the building.

If you have students in your family, school snacks are provided.

At times we have access to formula, food, diapers and other items for babies, available upon request.

When in stock we are able to provide pet food.

Grey’s cupboard is regularly stocked by the Greyson Tufts Memorial Fund to accommodate gluten sensitivities.