The Bella Coola Valley Food Bank began as an informal service operating out of the homes of a few local people who were concerned about hunger and malnutrition in Bella Coola. In 2005 the Bella Coola Community Support Society offered to act as the umbrella organization under whose auspices the Food Bank could attain legal status, receive foundation funding for capital costs, and apply for membership in the Canadian National Food Bank Association. As a member of the Association, the Food Bank can now take part in a food-sharing program with food banks in other regions of Canada.
The Food Bank is almost entirely dependent on local donations. We are very grateful to all the community members and businesses that have so generously donated money, goods, and surplus garden produce over the years.