Enbridge donates $10,000 to help food hub’s operations, partnerships and food literacy programs
As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to festive meals featuring tables filled with comfort foods. But for some in British Columbia, access to food remains a daily challenge—one that doesn’t pause for the holidays.
According to the Food Banks BC Hunger Report 2025, food banks in the province have experienced five consecutive years of increased demand. In the Interior region alone, over 32,000 people were served by food banks in March this year—up by more than 20% from last year. The Interior also has the highest rate of food bank use, with 3.7% of its population relying on food banks for support.
This growing food insecurity is why the United Way BC Regional Community Food Hub - Central Cariboo has made it its mission to help communities in and around Williams Lake build their own sustainable food source, increase food literacy and improve access to nutritious food.
Founded in 2021, the United Way BC Food Hub is stewarded by the Social Planning Council of Williams Lake and Area. The council coordinates with local organizations, farmers and community partners to identify available resources as well as community needs, increase efficiency in delivering support and distribute food to where it is needed most.
“The United Way BC Food Hub is really focused on community, creating a network of organizations that can work together,” says Kristin Lloyd, Food Security Project Coordinator with United Way BC. “It’s about increasing food access and building a sustainable future, not just providing a quick fix.”
One of its initiatives is the library food cupboard program. In small communities like Anahim Lake, Likely, Forest Grove and McLeese Lake, where food banks are not available, local libraries offer access to ready-to-eat, healthy food. These libraries offer discreet, welcoming spaces to help residents access nutritious food.
The United Way BC Food Hub also partners with local farmers, providing easy and accessible opportunities to donate fresh produce. Through initiatives such as the Farmers Markets Donation Program, food hub members or volunteers collect donated produce and deliver it to local organizations, where it’s either prepared into hot meals or packaged for distribution to those in need.
It also offers nutrition and food literacy programs, including seed giveaways and cooking lessons, to help families grow their own food and prepare healthy meals.
To access these programs, email foodhub@wlspc.ca or call 211 to connect with local resources.
The United Way BC Food Hub heavily relies on donations and fundraising efforts to sustain its programs. Enbridge, an energy transportation company which owns and operates the Westcoast natural gas pipeline system, recently donated $10,000 to support its work.
“The needs are greater than ever before, and more people are relying on food programs," says Chelsea Ingram, Campaign Manager, United Way BC. "That’s why partnerships with companies like Enbridge are so important. When communities and organizations capable of making meaningful corporate gifts come together, the impact is significant. We’re calling on more local partners to join us in making sure food support is there when people need it most.”
To donate or get involved, please reach out to Ingram at chelseai@uwbc.ca.
