The Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society (GVFBS) was established in 1982 when many small organizations, church groups and concerned citizens joined together in response to the hunger crisis during the economic recession in 1981.

The purpose of the GVBS was to be a temporary social service provider; however, because the number of those suffering from hunger problems has continued to increase, the GVFBS has become one of the most important non-government funded food assistance providers in Canada.

Mission:

To provide food and related assistance to those in need.

Programs

- Basics for Babies supports families coping with the challenge of raising a young infant by providing them with needed food, formula and diapers. The program receives the generous support of the JRfm and Unforgettable 600 am Basics for Babies campaign with additional support provided through Save-on-Foods.

- Kids Picks is in its third year and provides preschoolers aged 18 months through 5 years with a supplemental bag of healthy, ready-to-eat snacks that will ensure they receive all the essential vitamins and minerals needed for proper growth and development. Each bag also includes important information for parents on childhood nutrition and good eating habits.

- Food Runners is the prepared and perishable food recovery program of the GVFBS. Through Food Runners we receive quality food donated from restaurants, hotels, cafeterias and schools and deliver them to meal providing agencies. Food Runners saves 515,000 lbs. of food yearly, creating 1.25 million meals for people in need

- The Vancouver Community Kitchen Project is an educational resource centre that has been focusing on community kitchens for the past eight years. A community kitchen is a group of individuals who meet regularly to cook healthy, nutritious meals.

Everyone is expected to participate in the menu selection shopping, preparation, and cooking; the only requirement is an interest in food.

Good nutrition plays a key role in each community kitchen. Participants learn new recipes and are introduced to new foods that contribute to a more balanced diet. As well, several meals are usually taken home and frozen for later, thus furthering healthy eating habits. Members share food and nutrition knowledge as well as culinary skills. Everyone gains from each other's enthusiasm.