Privacy policy

Last modified: June 26, 2025

St. Mark’s Food Bank is committed to protecting the privacy and dignity of the individuals and families we serve. This policy outlines how we handle information and clarifies that by using our services or website, you agree to the following terms.

  • Introduction
  • Data Collection
  • Use of Information
  • Consent and Storage
  • Data Sharing and Referrals
  • Cookies and Web Data
  • Security and Limitations
  • External Links
  • Policy Updates
  • Contact Us

1. Introduction

St. Mark’s Food Bank (“we,” “our,” “us”) is a nonprofit organization located in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. We are committed to respecting and protecting the privacy of every individual who seeks food assistance, volunteers, donates, or interacts with our services.

This policy describes how we collect, use, store, and protect information, and outlines important disclaimers regarding our services.

By using our services (in-person or online), you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined below.

2. What Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information, as needed and voluntarily provided:

a) Personal Information (Clients and Volunteers)

  • Full name
  • Contact details (phone, email, address)
  • Household details (size, ages, ID types, income estimates)
  • Volunteer skills or interests
  • Emergency contact (volunteers only)

b) Non-Personal and Technical Information

  • Device/browser type (for website visitors)
  • General location (e.g., IP city-level region)
  • Site usage stats (page views, referral sources)

We do not collect financial information, Social Insurance Numbers, or government assistance files.

3. How We Use Information

We use information only for the following legitimate nonprofit purposes:

  • To organize food hamper pickups and record service usage
  • To communicate with clients or volunteers (e.g., appointment reminders)
  • To coordinate internal programs and referrals
  • To analyze demand and improve operations
  • To comply with community grant or reporting obligations (non-identifying only)

We do not sell, rent, or share personal information for marketing or commercial purposes.

4. Consent and Storage

All data is collected with the client’s or volunteer’s knowledge and consent.

  • Paper records are stored securely and shredded regularly.
  • Any digital records are stored in password-protected systems or secure platforms authorized by staff.

By providing information to St. Mark’s Food Bank, you consent to its collection and use in accordance with this policy.

5. Data Sharing and Referrals

With your permission, we may refer you to another community agency (e.g., for housing, financial aid, or mental health services). We will never send your personal details without your knowledge.

6. Cookies and Web Data

Our website may use cookies to monitor anonymous traffic data (e.g., which pages are visited). You may disable cookies in your browser settings.

7. Security and Limitations

We strive to protect your information using reasonable physical and administrative safeguards. However, no system is 100% secure.

We provide all services “as-is,” and without warranty.
St. Mark’s Food Bank assumes no legal liability or responsibility for:

  • The accuracy of information shared
  • Service availability
  • Third-party referrals or interactions
  • Any errors, omissions, or delays in our programs

By using our services, you agree not to hold St. Mark’s Food Bank legally responsible for any loss, misunderstanding, or harm arising from your participation.

8. External Links

Our website may link to external resources (e.g., Food Banks BC, government sites). We are not responsible for their content or privacy policies.

9. Policy Updates

This privacy policy may change without notice. Continued use of our services implies acceptance of the current version.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or would like to request access to your personal information, please contact:

✉️ [email protected]