This week, I had the opportunity to attend my first Silver Star Rotary meeting and, as part of the morning, tour the Salvation Army Community Food Bank with Community Engagement Coordinator Teresa Durning.
I came away incredibly impressed—not only by the recently expanded facility and the number of people it supports, but by the dignity and choice built into how that support is provided.
A Different Approach to a Food Bank
One of the things that stood out to me was the way people access food.
Rather than receiving a prepared hamper, the people who use the food bank—referred to as “neighbours”—are able to shop for the food they need with the assistance of volunteers.
The program operates on a points system, with healthier foods requiring fewer points. This gives people greater choice over what they take home while encouraging healthy food choices. Approximately 80 families access the food bank each day.
It struck me as a simple but important distinction. People aren’t simply being given food; they are able to make choices based on their own needs and circumstances.
More Space to Serve the Community
The food bank’s expansion, completed last October, has made a significant difference.
The additional space means the Salvation Army no longer has to turn away donated food because it doesn’t have room to store it – an important improvement at a time when so many people are experiencing increased food costs and financial pressures.
I was also surprised to learn that the food bank receives no ongoing government funding. It relies heavily on donations and community support, along with City grants for specific needs and projects.
Partnerships with organizations such as Save-On-Foods and Safeway also allow donated dollars to go further and help the food bank provide more to the people it serves.
And with only six staff, volunteers are absolutely essential to making the operation work.
Community Supporting Community
My visit was another reminder of how much work is being done every day by organizations, volunteers, businesses and donors across Vernon to support people who need a helping hand.
It was also another valuable opportunity for me to better understand the organizations serving our community – what they do, who they serve, the challenges they’re experiencing and the role partnerships and community support play in making their work possible.
Thank you to Silver Star Rotary for giving me the opportunity to learn more about the Salvation Army, to Teresa for taking the time to show me around, and to the staff, volunteers, donors and community partners who make this important service possible.
Supporting our neighbors with dignity, choice and compassion, that was what stayed with me most from my visit.
Published: Sept. 3, 2026