The B.C. government announced more funding on Sunday to help food banks across the province.
A $3-million emergency grant from the Community Gaming Grants program is being distributed to Food Banks British Columbia.
“Food Banks British Columbia will distribute the money among food banks province-wide to support their immediate needs to buy and distribute food, pay employees and cover other costs essential to the delivery of their food programs,” said a news release.
“Food Banks BC was selected to distribute the funding because of its expertise in management of food distribution.”
Food Banks BC will assess the needs and requirements of food banks to determine the amount and timing of the distribution. Funds will be distributed quickly and equitably to food banks across all regions of the province.
"Using funds from the gaming grants program is an example of how government and non-profit partners are working together to respond to the evolving nature of the pandemic, easing the burden on B.C.'s food banks and helping people who are feeling the strain of the COVID-19 crisis," said Mable Elmore, Parliamentary Secretary for Poverty Reduction.
The $3-million grant uses funding that remained in the Community Gaming Grant's 2019-20 budget of $140 million after all 2019 community gaming grants had been awarded to or approved for eligible organizations.
"This grant will make a tremendous impact in communities all over B.C. and ensure that food banks can keep their doors open and continue to meet the needs of the vulnerable, who particularly need their assistance at this time," said Laura Lansink, executive director, Food Banks BC.
"We sincerely thank the Province for this encouraging and vital assistance to Food Banks BC.
