About

Food Bank on the Edge assists west coast residents to meet basic food security needs through the distribution of monthly food hampers. As well, we support community ‘food focused’ initiatives such as school food programs and community luncheons.

The Food Bank on the Edge (FBOTE) has been serving the west coast of Vancouver Island for over 20 years.  A need for services came on the heels of an economic decline in the 90’s due to a downturn in the resource-based economy. Over the past 20 years, there has been a steady increase in the number of area residents requiring assistance from the food bank. Although the economy has improved, many west coast residents continue to struggle to make a ‘living wage’ and the FBOTE clientele increases by approximately 10% each year. The pandemic certainly created a larger need for food security services on the west coast.

The FBOTE is operated solely by volunteers and up until the COVID pandemic, and did not receive any government funding. Funding for operations was supported entirely by donations from community individuals and businesses. Revenues and resources increased during the Covid19 pandemic due to Food Banks Canada and Food Banks BC funding, and additional food donations.

The Food Bank distributes monthly supplemental food hampers to clients in Ucluelet, Tofino and the Indigenous Communities located in our area. We serve approximately 160 clients per month. Clients can visit in person or may have their hamper delivered, should transportation be a barrier to accessing resources. Food-focused initiatives of west coast community partners are also supported through food and/or financial donations, including Forest Glen Assisted Living; Tofino Fish and Loaves; Ucluelet Children’s Centre, Westcoast Community Resources Society, and the Ucluelet Elementary and Secondary School .