CBC B.C.'s Food Bank Day raises almost $3M for those in need

CBC has been raising money for British Columbia food banks for more than three decades, and the tradition continuedin December.

The 36th annual CBCB.C.Food Bank Day kickedoff Dec. 2 with special broadcasts, while listeners were encouraged to donate up until Dec. 31 to help those in need.

A total of$2,967,719.26was raised by British Columbiansin 2022, organizers said,after all donations online and by mail were tallied.

This brings the total amount raised by CBC Food Bank Day events over the years to just over $19 million.

CBC British Columbia raises money for local food banks

2 years ago

Duration 1:07

On Friday, CBC British Columbia kicked off its 36th annual Food Bank Day with special programming on CBC Radio One.

Fundraising festivities had been adapted to an online environment over the last two years due to the pandemic, but in 2022CBCopened its doors once again.

A small, intimate live studio audience joined program hosts atthe CBC Vancouver Broadcast Centre for the day's special programs.

With food insecurity higher than ever, the demand in B.C. for food banks is increasing. The amount of food provided bythe Greater Vancouver Food Bank, one of the province's largest, has nearly doubled in the last two years.

Anew reportfrom Food Banks Canada says food bank visits in B.C. have been increasing more than the national average due to the high cost of living and displacement from natural disasters like wildfires and flooding.

'This is the toughest time in our history': Food Banks Canada CEO

2 years ago

Duration 5:21

Food Banks Canada CEO Kirstin Beardsley says agencies across the country are seeing more people 'who never thought they would be' seeking food assistance.

Dan Huang-Taylor, the executive director of Food Banks B.C., says they have seen an increase in visits from Indigenous people, immigrants and refugeesand people with disabilities, as well as students and children.

The report found one in three people who access a food bank is a child.

At the same time, Huang-Taylor said, the costs of running food banks are up, and donations are down.

"The numbers are jarring."

In 2021, CBC B.C.Food Bank Day raised $2,973,015.