The Columbia Valley Food Bank(CVFB) began in 1999, led by concerned community members, and became a registered charity in 2001.  For nearly 20 years it operated from a church and the former RCMP basement until 2019, when a new purpose-built facility was completed through fundraising, grants, donations, and a bequest from Albert Cooper. The new building is located at 201 B 7th Ave in Invermere (across the main road from the Columbia Valley Centre).  

The CVFB's mission is to provide access to healthy food for individuals and families in the Columbia Valley, from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats.  

From its inception the CVFB was organized and run by volunteers, and funded nearly entirely by donations.  In 2014 the demand had grown enough to take on one paid employee.  CVFB currently operates with one full-time employee and over 75 volunteers who support operations six days a week, from food pickup and sorting to hamper preparation and distribution.   

Demand for food hampers has grown steadily each year of operation.  The CVFB does not receive government funding and is supported through donated food and financial contributions. 

CVFB also maintains outreach partnerships with local schools, daycares, Family Dynamix, Summit Youth and other community organizations.

The Columbia Valley Food Bank thanks you for your continued support so that we can continue to achieve our mission of Relieving Hunger in the Columbia Valley.