The Friends In Need Food Bank is in desperate need of funds to cover its property tax bill with the City of Maple Ridge.
This year there was a 9.76 per cent increase in property taxes and the food bank must come up with $19,750 – a cost, explained Mary Robson, the food bank's executive director, they must carry alone, without support from the local, provincial, or federal governments.
“This is money that should be going toward purchasing food for families, seniors, and individuals in need,” said Robson. “Instead, we are forced to divert those funds to cover a tax bill, even as demand for our services reaches an all-time high.”
Last year, the food bank experienced a 32 per cent increase in households accessing food support.
And, as of May 2025, the food bank is now supporting an average of 850 households each month, with one in three clients being children or youth, and more than one quarter being seniors.
"These numbers reflect the daily reality in our schools and neighbourhoods," said Robson, noting she heard from a teacher in the school district who told her they have heard that the food some students get at school is the only food they will eat all day, and some don't even get to eat until the end of the week, when their mother is paid.
This growing need is also compounded by rising operational expenses. Robson noted that the food bank has also absorbed a 66 per cent increase in rent at its Perishable Food Recovery facility as well.
The Perishable Food Recovery Facility, operates 364 days a year, and it rescues and redistributes food to 18 local organizations.
Since 2019, the program has prevented millions of kilograms of food waste and reduced an estimated 6.6 million kilograms of carbon emissions, said Robson.
And, added Robson, despite its broad environmental and social benefits, Friends In Need receives no recurring government support for this work - covering all costs, including rent, transportation, and utilities, through community donations and volunteer efforts.
"We are incredibly proud of what we have built," says Robson.
"Friends In Need is more than a food bank. We are reducing waste, supporting local farmers, and strengthening our entire community. But we cannot do it alone. As demand increases and costs continue to climb, community support is more important than ever," she added.
The campaign aims to raise the full amount for their property taxes by July 15, allowing the food bank to maintain service levels and stay focused on what matters most – feeding the community.
To donate go to: https://friendsneedfood.com/.
Robson is also asking people to advocate for the food bank by contacting local councillors at www.mapleridge.ca or www.pittmeadows.ca, and asking them to support Friends In Need through property tax relief and service agreements.
The food bank is also looking for volunteers.
Friends In Need Food Bank has been serving Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows since 1993.
"The strength of our community is what keeps us going," added Robson.
"Whether you donate, volunteer, or share our story, you are helping us provide food and dignity to those who need it most."
