Maple Ridge food bank earns national accreditation

Friends In Need Food Bank Society, which supports people and families in need across Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, has been accredited through Food Banks Canada’s Standards of Excellence program.

The program sets national standards for food banks across Canada covering all areas of operations, with the aim of promoting operational excellence throughout the network. Friends In Need is now one of 368 food banks nationwide to receive the accreditation.

Food Banks Canada says the program provides a framework to identify opportunities for innovation and performance improvement in client service and care, food operations, safe food handling and other areas. The standards also reflect the food-bank network’s commitment to strengthening its collective capacity to relieve hunger today and prevent it tomorrow.

Friends In Need said online that accreditation required a thorough review of its operations and represented substantial work by its staff, volunteers and board of directors. The non-profit said the recognition does not alter its mission or daily work, but provides added assurance to the community, donors and partners that it operates responsibly, transparently and to a recognized national standard.

The organization thanked those who helped it reach the milestone. Each month, Friends In Need supports more than 2,700 people in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, helping families, seniors and individuals access healthy food and care items. Donations and volunteer information are available at https://friendsneedfood.com/.