Volunteers will be out in Squamish neighbourhoods on Saturday, September 20, collecting food donations for the annual BC Thanksgiving Food Drive. The initiative aims to restock shelves at the Squamish Food Bank ahead of the holiday season.
Community members are asked to leave non-perishable food items outside their homes for pickup on Saturday morning. Donations will be delivered to the Squamish Food Bank at 37871 Third Avenue.
The event is part of a province-wide effort to support families relying on food banks. In Squamish, the drive is organized by the Squamish Food Bank, Squamish Helping Hands, and the Squamish Multifaith Association, with the help of about 100 volunteers.
Last year, residents donated more than 5,000 pounds of food and contributed an additional $5,000 online. Those interested in volunteering can contact squamishfooddrive@gmail.com.
“Thanksgiving is a special and meaningful time for the Squamish Food Bank,” said Venita Fung, manager of food security at Squamish Helping Hands. “As the need for services continues to grow, the BCTFD is one of the primary ways through which we receive community support and resources.”
The food bank has seen 6,670 visits and delivered 480 household hampers in the first six months of 2025, according to Fung. Organizers hope this year’s drive will help stock the food bank through the remainder of the year. Residents are encouraged to donate only the most requested items to ensure nutritious and useful supplies. Suggested donations include:
– Rice (brown or white)
– Peanut butter
– Canned fish (tuna, salmon, sardines)
– Cereal or oatmeal
– Canned soup (meat and vegetarian)
– Canned vegetables
– Applesauce
Organizers also reminded donors to check expiration dates, as expired goods cannot be used, and adds disposal costs for the food bank. The Squamish Food Bank officially merged with Squamish Helping Hands earlier this year to strengthen food security programs in the Sea to Sky region.
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