With an increase in visits to food banks across BC over the last few years, everything helps.
In a media release Wednesday, the province said BC liquor and cannabis store customers have collectively raised close to $950,000 for local food banks during a holiday campaign.
The fundraising campaign, which ran in stores from November 12th to December 31st, raised $942,168 in support of Food Banks BC and 106 of their locations throughout the province.
Since 2019, food bank visits have increased by 5%, from 124,000 to 131,000 visits each year in BC. One out of three food bank users is a child.
“The past few years have been particularly challenging for people in BC, as we continue to face the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, extreme weather incidents, and increases in the cost of living,” said Blain Lawson, general manager and CEO, BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB).
Together, BCL and BCCS have raised more than $3.4 million for Food Banks BC and its member food banks since April 2020 when their partnership began.
“Our customers continue to show tremendous commitment to supporting those in need, particularly when it comes to supporting people within their own communities.”
The stores have raised more than $3.4 million for Food Banks BC since their partnership started in April 2020.
Food banks in the province provide more than 125,000 meals through shelters, soup kitchens, and school lunch programs.
