The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) has announced a $200,000 funding package to support food banks and community food programs across the Basin this December.
Under the initiative, CBT is giving $5,000 each to 40 food banks, First Nations communities and Métis associations throughout the region, to help cover the cost of food, essentials, community meals, and holiday hampers.
Locally, that means the Golden Food Bank and Métis Nation Columbia River each receive $5,000 — a timely boost as demand for food support continues to climb.
“Last weekend, the Métis Nation Columbia River Society handed out 50 food hampers to our Chartered Community members consisting of bison, locally raised chickens and pork, grocery store gift cards and a few extra treats from Métis food businesses in BC,” says Monica Parkinson, vice president of the society. “We are truly grateful for the funds from CBT as we are now able to secure these items and potentially increase the number of hampers we hand out in the future.”
The funding builds on previous investments by CBT to help food banks upgrade infrastructure. Earlier this month, the Trust committed nearly $431,000 to upgrade storage, distribution and volunteer-space infrastructure across many Basin food banks.
CBT President and CEO highlighted the importance of food banks and community food programs “on the front lines of meeting residents’ essential needs,” noting that rising living costs and growing demand are impacting more working families, seniors and children across the Basin.
This funding arrives at a time when food insecurity is rising sharply. According to Food Banks Canada, non-profits in B.C. reported 223,340 monthly food-bank visits during 2025 — including more than 68,000 visits to help children access food.
“The Golden Food Bank is incredibly grateful for Columbia Basin Trust’s support, says Monica De, executive director for the Golden Food Bank. “Their contribution will directly help us provide additional assistance to families in need. As a food bank that relies on donations and fundraising to operate, this support is especially meaningful at this time.”
The extra $5,000 may be modest, but for small local agencies like Golden Food Bank and Métis Nation Columbia River, it helps secure enough food and supplies to make a meaningful difference over the holiday season.
Especially given ongoing inflation and cost-of-living pressures, the added support from CBT may help prevent supply shortages, allow for more substantial holiday hampers, and enable continued community meals or food-share programming.
