Cranbrook Food Bank Society is celebrating two significant accomplishments: achieving accreditation through Food Banks Canada’s Standard of Excellence program and receiving the 2026 Food Banks BC Spirit of Giving Award.

Cranbrook Food Bank is thrilled to have been accredited through Food Banks Canada’s Standards of Excellence program. The accreditation provides a framework for food banks to share innovative practices, learn from one another and ensure accountability in governance, client service, volunteer management, food operations, and safe food handling.

“Over the past two years, especially this last year, we’ve made changes to how we operate to reach this milestone,” said Executive Director Julie Rose. “Change isn’t always easy and there have been some bumps in the road, but because of our incredible team, we did it!”

That same commitment to strengthening the organization and serving the community was also recognized at the Food Banks BC Conference in Nanaimo this year, where Cranbrook Food Bank Society received the 2026 Food Banks BC Spirit of Giving Award.

Each year, Food Banks BC presents two awards that recognize outstanding contributions within the food banking network and celebrate everyday heroes whose kindness, generosity and dedication often go unseen but make a meaningful difference in their communities.

Cranbrook Food Bank was recognized as a leader in addressing food insecurity through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to ensuring everyone has access to nourishing food.

“Most importantly, Food Banks BC recognized that the strength of Cranbrook Food Bank lies in its people, and I’ve known that for a long time,” said Rose.

“Our extraordinary team of volunteers who range in age from 6 to 88, plus three paid staff, handle everything from sorting food and stocking shelves to deliveries, client intake, bookkeeping, statistics, food pickups, special events to giving someone a hug when they need it most. That’s the reason this organization succeeds.”

Working alongside Indigenous organizations, health agencies, schools, outreach teams, community partners and fellow food banks, the organization helps strengthen food security across Cranbrook and the surrounding region.

“Despite increasing demand, reduced donations and rising operating costs, the Cranbrook Food Bank continues to grow its impact,” said Board Chair Ian Melligan.

Melligan has also been one of the driving forces behind the work for accreditation, devoting countless hours to developing policies and documentation, reviewing standards and guiding volunteers to ensure the goal was achieved for Accreditation.

Long-time volunteer Tony Bourke said, “Our volunteers come from all backgrounds, ages, abilities and experiences, just like the people who come for food, and it’s great. I always go home smiling.”

Together, the Food Banks Canada accreditation and Food Banks BC Spirit of Giving Award recognize not only what the Cranbrook Food Bank does, but the people behind it. The organization’s impact is measured not only by the number of people it serves, but by the compassion, resilience and collaboration that define every aspect of its work.

“Celebrate with us as we recognize these important accomplishments for our organization,” said Julie. “We are incredibly proud of our team and grateful to every volunteer, partner, donor and community member who helps make this work possible.”

The Cranbrook Food Bank is always looking for volunteers. If you have a few hours a week and are interested in volunteering in any department, you can pick up a volunteer application package Monday, Wednesday or Friday at the office on Industrial Road #2.

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