Background
Friends In Need Food Bank began as a series of community initiatives in the early 1980s and became a registered society in 1993. In 2023, we proudly celebrated our 30th anniversary. From humble beginnings, we have grown to serve over 900 households, operating from a 3,200 sq. ft. warehouse and a dedicated perishable food recovery facility in downtown Maple Ridge.
Our mission is simple — to ensure no one in our community goes hungry.
In recent years, rising living costs have led to a sharp increase in people needing support, including more students requiring school meals and snacks. In the first six months of 2024 alone, the number of households we serve grew by 32%. Unfortunately, donations have not kept pace with demand, leaving a critical gap between our resources and our community’s needs.
We are a volunteer-driven organisation, relying entirely on the generosity of community members, local businesses, and grants. We receive no recurring government funding. Most of our food donations come from local grocers, retailers, and individuals, either directly or through food drives and community events.
Friends In Need Food Bank is a proud member of Food Banks BC and Food Banks Canada. We are a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency and a registered non
Our Mission
The Friends in Need Food Bank Society exists to provide for the hungry in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. To inform and refer when needed and to raise awareness concerning hunger issues support residents in need in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. It is our mission to ensure no one in our community ever goes hungry.
Guiding Principles
Our Core Values:
- No one in our community goes hungry.
- Every person is deserving of caring, dignity, and respect when using our services.
- Many people are living in poverty due to circumstances beyond their control.
- Any person will be given information and referrals.
- The Friends in Need Food Bank Society will continue to raise awareness concerning hunger issues.
Board of Directors
| Chairperson | Lynda J. Lawrence |
| Vice Chair | Gwen O’Connell |
| Secretary | Ineke Boekhorst |
| Treasurer | Debbie MacRae |
| Directors | Jonie Lagrange |
| Sandra Ramsay | |
| Eva Boyd | |
| Tyler Shymkiw | |
| Kaila Cyr |
Management Team
Executive Director | Mary Robson | 604-466-3663 ext 204 |  director@friendsneedfood.com |
| General Manager | Evan Seal | 604-466-3663 ext 202 | manager@friendsneedfood.com |
Programs and Community Partnerships of Friends in Need Food Bank Society
We are proud to partner with organization and agencies addressing food security in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. Over the years, we have grown into a central hub for collecting and distributing food where it is needed most.
In addition to serving our registered clients, we support any legitimate non-profit organization that assists individuals experiencing or at risk of food insecurity in our community.
Our support extends to: