Image: Facebook / BC Conservative Party / BC Conservative leader John Rustad promised more 'consistent annual funding' for the provinces overwhelmed food banks if elected on October 19. Rustad announced the pledge during a stop at the Surrey Urban Mission on Oct. 12, 2024.

By Don Mitchell

Food banks

Aid for overwhelmed food banks underscores BC Election promises ahead of Thanksgiving

Oct 13, 2024 | 11:21 AM

SURREY – A Thanksgiving long weekend visit to a Surrey mission facing a potential kitchen closure highlighted BC Conservative party leader John Rustad’s call for sustained funding to keep around 100 food banks and community kitchens open.

Outside the Surrey Urban Mission on Saturday, Rustad promised institutional studies and “consistent annual funding” if elected, aiming to reduce the estimated 200,000 monthly visits to the province’s food banks.

“We haven’t set the amount that we’re going to commit to,” Rustad said. “Our goal is to work with food banks and community kitchens to assess their needs and determine a realistic funding amount.”

Rustad emphasized that one-time funding from the government “from time to time” is not sustainable and won’t keep facilities open.

Food Banks Canada estimates about 2 million visits to community pantries across the country each year, with roughly one-third involving children.

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In B.C., food bank usage has increased by 57 percent since 2019.

Surrey Urban Mission CEO Jack O’Halloran said their community kitchen, ‘Nourish,’ is scheduled to close on December 12. The closure would mean about 200 people daily would need to find meals elsewhere, and charity staff would lose their jobs.

“The shelter will remain open, but this community kitchen serves over 225 people daily, providing two meals a day, breakfast and lunch,” O’Halloran explained.

“That’s over 6,000 meals a month for the most vulnerable people, including those on the streets.”

In September, the mission closed a unique shower and laundry facility due to funding shortages.

The COVE Healthy Living Facility, opened in late 2022, was funded through a one-time grant from the Union of B.C. Municipalities.

The Chilliwack Salvation Army highlighted similar struggles in the Fraser Valley in June, revealing that thousands access their community food bank monthly.

The organization, active for over 25 years, reported a severe food shortage in a June 13 social media post, stating, “Over 6,000 families are accessing the Food Bank each month, more than ever before.”

BC NDP candidate Megan Dykeman, representing Langley-Walnut Grove, responded to Rustad’s Surrey visit by reiterating her party’s promise of a $1,000 annual tax cut for the average family, starting next year.

“David Eby and the BC NDP will continue to support food bank services,” Dykeman said.

“Last year, we provided a $50 million boost to strengthen food banks, food distribution, and access for people, and we will keep supporting these services.”