For more than forty years, the Comox Valley Food Bank has been a neighbourly answer to an ordinary problem: putting food on the table. Since 1983, the non-profit has offered free supplementary food to individuals and families from Cook Creek to the Oyster River. Its motto on the website is plain: neighbours helping neighbours.
The warehouse and shop are at 1255 McPhee Avenue in Courtenay. Client hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon. The food bank is closed to clients on Wednesday, and closed on statutory holidays. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The main number is 250-338-0615, and the administration email is administration@comoxvalleyfoodbank.ca.
How to help this winter
Food and essentials can be dropped off Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ring the buzzer at the front door and someone will come out to help. The food bank asks for large donations to be arranged in advance so a driver can pick them up; write to administration@comoxvalleyfoodbank.ca. Fresh produce, eggs, dairy, bread and meat are welcome, but those perishable foods should arrive during weekday hours so they can go straight into the fridge.
On the donate page, the most-needed shelf-stable items are canned proteins, nut butters, canned fruit and vegetables, pasta, rice, cereal, soups and sauces. Toiletries, cleaning supplies, baby food, formula and diapers are also on the list, along with grocery or gas gift cards. If you are organizing a workplace or school food drive, the food bank can provide bins and signage; start with info@comoxvalleyfoodbank.ca or the main phone line.
There is a year-round option that does not even require a trip to McPhee Avenue. Bag your bottles and cans — no sorting needed — and take them to any Return-It Express depot. Enter the food bank’s number, 250-207-2436, label the bag, and the refund goes directly to the organization. “Your contributions stay right here in the Comox Valley,” the donate page says, “helping neighbours from Cumberland to Black Creek put food on the table.”
Good to know
- Address: 1255 McPhee Avenue, Courtenay. Client hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m.–noon. Closed statutory holidays.
- Donation drop-off: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Ring the front-door buzzer.
- Bottle refunds: Return-It Express, account number 250-207-2436. Details at comoxvalleyfoodbank.ca.
Image: Screenshot of the Comox Valley Food Bank About page, showing the McPhee Avenue building.
Photo: Comox Valley Food Bank, Screenshot of official source page, via source.
