OUR SIGNATURE CAUSE
Addressing food insecurity
Creating a healthier, more equitable world so that everyone can flourish
We are committed to addressing food insecurity by supporting local food banks and working collaboratively to identify upstream solutions and opportunities to ensure the long-term sustainability of our community partners.
Through regular fundraising, partnerships with local food banks and ongoing community programs, we aim to consistently provide nutritious food to those in need. Our signature cause programs Feed the Valley and The Full Cupboard aim to raise food, funds and awareness in helping local food banks combat food insecurity. Since 2010, these programs have raised more than $5.5 million and 215,000 lbs of food for those in need. Each year, we support 31% of food banks in B.C., distributing food and grocery items to families, children, seniors and individuals at risk of hunger.
People-powered advancement
Eighty-nine First West team members led local fundraising events in 2024. These efforts raised an impressive $414,329, providing the equivalent of 828,658 meals to hungry children and families across First West communities.
Our employees are actively involved through volunteer opportunities at food banks, organizing food drives and engaging in awareness campaigns. This support helps to ensure more individuals and families have access to sufficient, nutritious food, improving overall community health and well-being.
Our focus
Outcomes and actions to create a future where everyone can flourish
Food access
We foster sustainable partnerships that advance social issues in our communities in alignment with six Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our focus includes the four key areas of food insecurity, financial literacy, mental health and employment readiness.
Partnering with Food Banks across BC, we actively address the need for supplemental food resources through donations and volunteering.
Food security
Through funding and fundraising, we help to increase the financial sustainability and capacity of Food Banks in our regions.
Agricultural opportunities
Our community and banking teams support and empower diverse agricultural developments. From funding or financing local agricultural projects and producers to programs that bring community gardens, workshops and education to individuals. All supporting the goal of providing sustainable food and address some of the major issues we face.
Advocacy and systemic change
Through collaboration, we bring awareness to policy changes and encourage advancements that address the Zero Hunger goal, partnering with others to address systemic issues that actively prevent food insecurity.
The Full Cupboard in the Envision Financial region
Harnessing the power of our community and team members, we’re always creating a sustained impact through The Full Cupboard. Donations of money, food and time are helping give access to nutrition to people in the Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland, and Kitimat regions.
Impact in 2024: $1,681,296 in funds raised and 90,907 pounds of food collected for 11 food bank partners.
Feed the Valley in the Enderby & District Financial and Valley First regions
Achieving zero hunger can positively impact economies, health, education, equality, and social development. Through Feed the Valley, we’re building a better future for everyone by supporting Food Banks in and reducing hunger in the Okanagan, Similkameen and Thompson Valleys.
Impact in 2024: $3,148,622 raised and 106,512 pounds of food collected for our 10 food bank partners.
The Full Cupboard in the Island Savings region
Through actions and initiatives like The Full Cupboard, our members, team members, and credit union make a continuous and meaningful contribution to achieving SDG 2. Together, we helping provide access to sufficient, nutritious food to people in the Vancouver Island, Pender Island and Salt Spring Island regions.
Impact in 2024: $765,889 in funds raised and 18,142 pounds of food collected for 12 food bank partners.
Long-term impact
Intentional investments to drive meaningful change
Our efforts around food insecurity form the framework for our impact strategy, ensuring that our philanthropic activities are aligned with broader societal goals and make a significant, positive impact. The purpose and unity of these activities spread within our organization and into our communities.