The Comox Valley Food Bank has been working to address food insecurity in the Valley since 1983. They provide free supplementary food to individuals and families who need it, serving the area from Cook Creek to Oyster River. The organization reports serving record numbers of clients each month, a reflection of the reality that one in three Canadians struggle to afford healthy food.

Beyond distributing standard food bank items, they focus on providing fresh produce and run significant food rescue operations, collecting about 90,000 pounds of food monthly from grocery stores and local producers. This rescued food would otherwise go to waste, and instead it goes to people who need it. The approach emphasizes nutritious food and building community connections, not just emergency relief.

The food bank is open for clients Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8:30am to 1pm, and Friday from 8:30am to noon. They’re located on McPhee Avenue in Courtenay. The organization actively needs volunteers and welcomes both food and monetary donations. If you’re facing food insecurity or know someone who is, they’re there. If you want to help, they need it. Over 40 years in and the demand keeps growing.