Donations are now back to pre-pandemic amounts at the Aldergrove Food Bank thanks to the generous support of local community members and businesses.
Just in time too, says manager Mary Van Zuuk, as there has been a notable rise in clients registering with them.
"The first year of the pandemic it was still good because working people were not yet affected. By the second year, restaurants have closed and working people were affected. So from 2021 to 2023, we saw a dip [in donations]," she explained.
"Though this year, especially since November, it's just been incredible."
But in that same time, the need of local families has also increased.
"In 2019 we were about 50 families, then in 2020 and 2021 it was steady. Then it went up to the 70s, and in 2023 into the 80s, and now we're well over 100 families on average," Van Zuuk told The Star.
"So, we're serving 300 in Aldergrove that are registered with us."
According to the Township of Langley, the estimated population of Aldergrove sits around 13,911 residents – which fluctuates as people move in and out of the Township, but the population overall is increasing.
Despite the growing reliance on the food bank, Van Zuuk said they've been able to keep up.
"We don't have a wait list at the moment. We've had so many donations from businesses in Gloucester that held food drives, and from schools. It's amazing."
She noted that the more businesses holding food drives also helps raise awareness.
"Without awareness, people aren't going to give unless they know there is an actual need."
One such local business is Alder Liquor Store owned by Dave Sharma, and his son Sunny Sharma, holding an annual food drive and meal handout to clients of the food bank.
“My dad and grandpa always gave back to the community [when we lived] in Abbotsford, and I wanted to follow in their footsteps,” Sunny, the Aldergrove-based realtor, explained.
It was the fifth year for the father-son team, and served a record 200 people on Tuesday, Dec. 31 – doubling last year's 100 meals.
"The is our way of giving back to Aldergrove, which has been such a wonderful place for our family. If we all do just a little act of kindness, it can go a long way," Sunny said.
“The cost of living has gone up from groceries to mortgage payments, insurance, property taxes… then numbers at the food bank have almost doubled since last year, so my dad and I try to help as much as we can.”
Meals handed out included rice, butter chicken, and naan bread, and were served during the Aldergrove Food Bank business hours.
Van Zuuk said donations for 2025 will depend on the economy and people's ability to donate, and the awareness.
People can donate online at langleyfoodbank.ca/give.
Food item donations are accepted during operating hours on Tuesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. However, donations can be dropped off any day at the Fresco in the green bin near the doors.
Anyone with questions about donating can call Van Zuuk at 604-857-1671.
Food distribution is on Tuesdays, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Clients are also welcome to enjoy soup, coffee, and sandwiches from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
"It's like a community," Van Zuuk commented.
During its operating day, Clothes2U also brings clothing and small household items to the food bank.
The food bank also partnered with the Aldergrove Community Centre, where free showers are available for registered clients who are unhoused on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Clients will receive a clean towel, new underwear and socks, and shampoo.
The Aldergrove Food Bank is located at 27524 Fraser Hwy., beside HUB Insurance.