Programs

General Hamper Program

The General Hamper and Food Share Distribution Programs are designed to provide perishable and non-perishable food to the people of Kamloops, Chase, Barriere, Savona, Logan Lake, Monte Lake, Pinantan Lake and Pritchard as well as the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc, Neskonlith, and Skeetchestn Indian Bands. Food is packaged into hampers by volunteers and staff. Clients access non-perishable hampers monthly and hampers of perishable foods twice weekly.
Staff and volunteers package food hampers for the needs of singles, couples, family, large family, emergency, diabetic, transient, and pre and post-natal.
Donated food is received at our loading dock and then sorted into appropriate boxes by food type for storage. The foods are checked for expiry date, damage, spoilage, and defects before being stored. Bulk food is broken down into bags and containers according to the hamper size.
10 to 15 volunteers are required daily to support the distribution of food.

Major grocery stores, bakeries and other food outlets donate their close dated, perishable food to the Food Share seven days a week.. The Food Bank, sorts, cleans and places it in cold storage for distribution as soon as possible.
Clients access produce, breads, dairy and baked goods twice a week through Food Share.
Prior to the initiation of Food Share the perishable, close dated foods ended up in the landfill. By January 2012 we had diverted almost 4 million pounds of nutritious food from the landfill..
Food Share supports our 6397 clients yearly as well as 41 local schools and agencies in Kamloops.

Diabetic Hampers
Upon proof from a doctor our clients may receive diabetic hampers. The diabetic hampers contain sugar free non-perishable food. Availability of diabetic hampers is especially important for our aboriginal clients.
High Protein Hampers
Upon proof from a doctor that a client requires a high protein diet they may receive our high protein hamper. These hampers are normally provided to pregnant women and nursing moms. Individuals with serious illness may also be eligible.
Transient Hampers
Hampers are available with canned goods that have re moveable lids. Foods which require little preparation are included in these hampers.

Community Gardens
We have five community garden plots at Tranquille & Crestline; planted with vegetables and root crops. Kamloops Daybreak Rotary sponsors this initiative. In 2011, we harvested 2289 pounds of beets, carrots, beans, onions and potatoes.

Baby Bank Kamloops Food Bank has formula, diapers, jarred foods and cereal year round. The “Baby Bank” provides monthly access to the extra items like wipes, wash, lotion, diaper cream, bottles, soothers, and new & gently used clothing for babies newborn to 2 years of age.

Direct Suspension – These are students suspended from school who volunteer at the Food Bank during the period of their suspension
International Students – These TRU students must complete a community service component in order to receive credit for the class ‘Service 1000′.
Restorative Justice – This program offers young offenders Community Service opportunities instead of a criminal record.
Shuswap Training and Employment Program (STEP) – A First Nations person is hired for a six month period, funded by Service Canada.
TRU Students – Social Work and Nursing students may complete one of their practicum assignments at the Food Bank. Projects completed include flu clinics, diabetes screening and the provision of pre and post natal information and classes.
Volunteer Programs -This is an important program which recruits volunteers for the operation of the Food Bank. Approximately 1100 hours of volunteer time monthly is required to operate the Food Bank as it is a labour intensive operation.
Work Experience - Secondary students are able to complete a portion of their experience in the workplace at the Food Bank. We have had an especially strong relationship with NorKam.