The Golden Food Bank Society has had a busy year — and with rising costs of living and a growing need for local support, their work has never been more important.
New Leadership, Familiar Faces
The nonprofit welcomed two new staff members this fall. Long-time local resident Monica De stepped into the role of Executive Director on September 2. She’s no stranger to the organization, having served two consecutive terms on its board. De brings extensive experience in both the public and nonprofit sectors, most recently as the program coordinator for the Rocky Mountain International Student Program with School District 6, and as literacy coordinator with the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy in Golden.
Joining her is Tamara Holmes, the new Program Manager, who brings a background rich in community programming, food service, and education. Holmes previously coordinated Local Food Matters’ Weathered Wisdom Project, which shared local gardening knowledge, and she’s been a familiar face at community fundraisers such as Farm to Table dinners and United Way events.
Rising Need in the Community
The numbers tell a story of both challenge and compassion. So far in 2025, the Golden Food Bank has distributed 1,949 food hampers to 697 individuals in Golden and Area A — roughly 17% of the community’s population.
It’s a staggering figure, but not surprising when you look at the larger picture. According to the Hunger Report 2025, housing and food costs have jumped more than 25% since 2021, while wages have barely budged. The living wage in Golden now sits at $26.96 per hour, compared to the provincial minimum wage of $17.85. Rent alone can consume two-thirds of a lower-income household’s disposable income.
Food Recovery and “Hello Fresh” – Style Meal Kits
In addition to emergency hampers, the food bank has rescued more than 32,000 kilograms of food this year from local businesses, residents, and partners. These recovered items help fill hampers with fresh, high-quality products, while surplus items nearing expiry are offered through a sign-up notification system so they don’t go to waste.
Another popular initiative has been the Affordable Meal Kit program, which provides ready-to-cook meal kits — complete with ingredients and recipes — for $15. Each kit makes 4–6 servings and is available to anyone. Paying a little extra helps sustain the program so it can continue to serve more local households.
Mark Your Calendar: The CPKC Holiday Train
One of the highlights of the season will be the CPKC Holiday Train, rolling into Golden on December 16 from 8:45 to 9:15 p.m. across from 7-Eleven on 10th Ave South. This year’s show features Barenaked Ladies and, of course, Santa Claus. The Golden Food Bank will be on-site with hot chocolate and goodies — and all donations made that night will go toward feeding local families over the holidays.
Powered by the Community
The Golden Food Bank operates independently of core government funding, relying entirely on grants, donations, and volunteers. That means every dollar and every hour makes a real difference.
There are several ways to help:
• Donate money: Monthly donations fund the purchase of staples like milk, eggs, and produce. Contributions can be made in person, by cheque, or online through www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/golden-food-bank-society/
• Host a Virtual Food Drive: An easy and fun group effort that raises funds online. Last year, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort ran one tied to a gondola prize giveaway.
• Donate food: Non-expired, unopened, undamaged food can be dropped off anytime or collected through organized drives. Lady Grey Elementary students recently gathered 1,400 pounds of food in a single campaign.
• Volunteer: From sorting and portioning to event support, volunteers are the backbone of the food bank. Scheduling is flexible, and sign-ups can be done online.
A special thanks was extended to BCGEU members who volunteered their time during a particularly busy season — their help, the food bank says, “made a huge difference.”
To learn more, get involved, or set up a virtual drive, visit goldenfoodbank.ca.
