Finding Local or BC Support
Finding Local or BC Support
Fill the Van Food Drive
Right now, more people than ever on Gabriola are turning to local food programs for support. At People for a Healthy Community, we are committed to showing up with care, compassion, and dignity—but we can’t do it without you.
How you can help fill the van
Every donation makes a difference. Together, we can provide healthy food, shared meals, and meaningful support that helps our neighbours feel connected, supported, and able to thrive.
Did you know?
Across Canada, food insecurity is rising at an unprecedented pace. Food banks are seeing record-breaking demand, with nearly 2.2 million visits in a single month—double what was recorded just six years ago. It took decades to reach one million monthly visits, and only a few years to double that number.
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Behind every visit is a real story—parents stretching meals so their children can eat, seniors choosing between groceries and medication, and working individuals doing their best but still falling short. This is the reality facing many Canadians today.
1 in 4
people in Canada now live in food insecure households.
25%
of households who rely on food banks are two parent families.
19%
of people relying on food banks are employed, an all-time high.
2x
more visits to Food bank in BC in the last six years.
27%
higher food prices than 5 years ago
4-6%
increase in food costs in 2026
23%
are two-parent families with children, compared to 19% in 2019
8.3%
of food bank participants are seniors, up from 6.8% in 2019
*Statistics come from a combination of Canada Food Price Report 2026 and BC Food Bank Canada.
General
Vegetables & Fruit (Canned)
Cooking Oils
(olive & canola)
Dried Herbs and Spices
Mayo & Condiments
Pasta & pasta sauce
Prepared Meals
Crackers
Granola Bars
Healthy Meals in a box
Soup, Stew and Chili
Healthy Whole Grain Cereal
Small Snack Items
Protein
Canned Chicken,
Fish & Ham
Peanut & Nut Butter
Protein Bars and Drinks
Cheese & Dairy Products
Nuts
Toiletries
Feminine Hygiene Products
Shampoo & Conditioner
Body Wash
Single Use Razors
Toothpaste
Additional Items
Gluten Free Options
Animal Food Socks
WE DO NOT ACCEPT: Farm Eggs • Open or broken seals • Expired food
Most Wanted Food Items
Where to Donate Food
We gratefully welcome both non-perishable and perishable food donations to help support our community.​
Food Drive
Join us at our Fill the Van Food Drive at Nester’s Market Parking Lot on Saturday, May 30 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, where you can drop off donations directly to our team.
PHC Office
If you’re unable to attend, donations can be dropped off at our office at 675 North Road (Main Floor of the Commons), Monday to Friday from 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM.
Nester's Bin
For added convenience, food donations can also be made at Nester’s Marketplace during regular business hours—just look for our donation bin near the front of the store.
*Statistics come from a combination of Canada Food Price Report 2026 and BC Food Bank Canada.