In June, The Friends in Need Food Bank served almost double the number of households as it did during the same month in 2025.
The food bank’s executive director Kim Boekhorst was before city council on July 7 to talk about the increasing demand for groceries in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
Last month the food bank served 991 households, which is up 85 per cent from a year ago. It served 2,166 individuals. There were 3,051 food bank visits, and 75 new clients registered during the month.
The need hits a broad demographic, explained Boekhorst.
“Thirty-two per cent of our clients are under the age of 16, twenty-seven per cent are seniors, and many are working families trying to make ends meet,” he said.
Clients include people with disabilities, newcomers, and residents in short-term crisis.
“Food insecurity is often hidden – many people accessing support are housed, employed, and recently retired, but the cost of living has moved faster than their income,” he said.
“The demand we are seeing is no longer occasional, it’s sustained and it requires stable systems, strong governance and disciplined operations.”
Boekhorst noted costs are increasing, making it tougher to supply the growing demand, and the food bank recently ran out of food before closing time.
The food bank runs on generosity. He noted the operation is “powered by community service,” and each month more than 100 volunteers offer a combined 1,200 hours of work.
“The volunteer contribution is one of the reasons the organization can operate responsibly, and stretch community support as far as possible,” said Boekhorst.
In addition to volunteers, the organization relies on donations of food and money.
It began in 1993, and for the past seven years has operated a Perishable Food Recovery program that has repurposed almost 8 million pounds of fresh food.
In June alone, it rescued 37,500 kg of fresh produce, which is enough for approximately 55,000 meals, he said. It is one of few food banks that can receive perishable food donations.
In addition to the food bank, they run school meal and snack programs with 2,700 students supported.
“It’s quite alarming to see the numbers that you’re supporting each and every day,” said Coun. Judy Dueck. “The volunteer hours are amazing. Maple Ridge is known for people who love to volunteer, so it’s great to see you’ve got an active group.”
“Know that people love what you’re doing, and you are saving more people than you can hear speak to you,” said Coun. Onyeka Dozie.
Mayor Dan Ruimy said food insecurity is an issue across the country.
“The work you do serves our community well, and we greatly appreciate that,” he said.