The following post was provided by Coast Capital Savings in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. They are a member of the Canadian Credit Union Association, a World Council direct member.

Food Banks BC is thanking Coast Capital Savings for a sizable donation to help the organization address food security concerns in the face of the COVID-19 public health crisis.

The BC-based federal credit union has committed $100,000 to Food Banks BC which will be distributed to local food banks across communities in British Columbia to help curb critical food shortages caused by COVID-19. Food Bank BC will also be working to distribute some of these funds to their provincial counter parts in Alberta and Ontario in support of the communities that Coast Capital serves in those provinces.

“With the current challenges that our food banks all over the province are facing, we could not be more grateful at this time for the tremendous support and encouragement we are receiving from Coast Capital Savings,” says Laura Lansink, Executive Director Food Banks BC. “Coast Capital has long been a faithful supporter of our food bank network and have always stepped up when we have needed them the most. This support is going to help us ensure that no food bank will have to shut its doors in this time of crisis.”

As Canadians struggle through uncertain economic times due to illness, job loss and childcare disruptions, the food bank is more critical than ever. Add to that the stress on households who rely on in-school breakfast and lunch programs, food insecurity is touching more families than ever before.

“Coast Capital understands that COVID-19 is impacting Canadians in many ways including their finances and the strain that puts on households is immense,” says Maureen Young, Director, Community Leadership, Coast Capital Savings. “Our contribution to Food Banks BC is a tangible way to show our unwavering support for the communities we serve, and right now our communities need support more than ever.”

As the impacts of COVID-19 continue to grow, it is expected that the strain on food banks will also increase. Food Banks BC is asking other organizations who are able to follow Coast Capital’s lead to help keep this critical community service running through an extended, unprecedented economic downturn.

“We understand that the reach of those impacted by these global events is wide and not everyone will be in a position to donate,” Lansink says. “But if you or your organization is in a position to help, every dollar, every piece of food helps.