I stood in the back of the crowded Summerland Food Bank last Tuesday morning, watching as volunteers carefully arranged produce on metal shelves. The quiet efficiency of their work stood in stark contrast to the growing need they’re addressing.
“We’re seeing about 30 percent more families than last year,” explained John Bubb, president of the Summerland Food Bank and Resource Centre. He gestured toward the storeroom where boxes of non-perishables were stacked nearly to the ceiling, yet would likely be distributed within weeks.
That’s why the announcement that morning carried such weight. The organization had just received a $55,000 donation from the Colin and Lois Pritchard Foundation, a gift that arrives at a crucial moment for this community hub serving the South Okanagan.
“This generous contribution will allow us to maintain our current level of service without cutting back,” Bubb told me as we spoke near the intake area. “With food costs up nearly 11 percent over the past year according to Statistics Canada, we’ve been feeling the squeeze from both directions – more clients needing help and higher costs to provide that help.”
The donation represents roughly one-quarter of the food bank’s annual operating budget. For perspective, the Summerland operation serves approximately 130 households each month in a community of about 12,000 residents.
Colin Pritchard, who established the foundation with his late wife Lois, was present for the announcement. A longtime Okanagan resident, Pritchard has focused the foundation’s giving on healthcare and addressing food insecurity throughout the region.
“Food security is fundamental to community health,” Pritchard said, his voice steady but emotional. “When people don’t have to worry about their next meal, they can focus on other aspects of their lives – education, employment, family.”
What makes this donation particularly impactful is its timing. Summer months typically see donations decline while family needs often increase with children home from school. The “hunger gap,” as food bank operators sometimes call it, creates a seasonal challenge that this funding helps address.
Theresa Nolet, a retired teacher who now volunteers at the food bank twice weekly, described what she’s observed. “We’re seeing working families who simply can’t make ends meet despite having jobs. The rising cost of housing alone has pushed many to choose between rent and groceries.”
This tracks with national data from Food Banks Canada, which reported a 32 percent increase in food bank usage nationwide between 2022 and 2023, the highest level in Canadian history. Rural communities like Summerland often face additional challenges with transportation barriers and fewer social services.
The Summerland Food Bank has evolved significantly since its humble beginnings in a church basement. Today, it operates from a dedicated facility and has expanded beyond emergency food assistance to include resource navigation, helping clients access benefits and services they might not know are available.
Samantha Morris, a single parent who agreed to share her experience, told me the food bank became her lifeline after an injury left her unable to work full-time. “It’s not just the food – though that’s essential. It’s knowing someone cares, that your community hasn’t forgotten you.”
This sense of community connection is something Mayor Doug Holmes emphasized when I called him for comment. “Organizations like our food bank reflect Summerland’s values. We look after each other here. The Pritchard Foundation’s generosity amplifies that spirit and challenges others to contribute what they can.”
The donation will be allocated across several program areas. Approximately $35,000 will go toward food purchasing, while the remainder will support operational costs including refrigeration equipment maintenance, volunteer coordination, and client support services.
Bubb noted that while cash donations like this one provide crucial flexibility, the food bank continues to welcome food donations from community members. “Every contribution matters, whether it’s a single can of soup or a major financial gift.”
The Summerland Food Bank’s experience reflects broader provincial trends. Food Banks BC reports that every region in the province has seen increased demand, with particular pressure on smaller communities where employment options may be more limited and seasonal.
As I prepared to leave, I watched a young mother with two small children enter the food bank. A volunteer greeted her by name and asked about her daughter’s recent dance recital. In that moment, the true value of this donation became clear – it’s not just about keeping shelves stocked, but about maintaining dignity and connection for everyone in the community.
For those interested in supporting the Summerland Food Bank, donations can be made directly at their location on Main Street or through their website. Volunteer opportunities are also available for those who can offer their time.
The Pritchard Foundation’s $55,000 gift may not solve the underlying issues driving food insecurity in the region, but for the people of Summerland facing difficult choices at their kitchen tables, it provides something equally important: breathing room and the knowledge that their community stands with them.