A Legacy of Compassion and Service

Dawson Creek Food Bank has deep roots in the Dawson Creek community, beginning around 1986 as St. Mark’s Food Bank, a modest “food cupboard.” Created to respond to weekend emergencies, it was established by local church members who noticed an increasing number of people in need, particularly when other services were unavailable.

By the late 1990s, calls for food assistance were becoming more frequent. In response, a more structured food bank began operating around 1998. With the support of dedicated community volunteers and financial contributions from local churches such as South Peace United, Grace Lutheran, Notre Dame, and St. Mark’s Anglican Church, the service steadily expanded.

What started as a small cupboard grew into a full-time food support program, offering food and emergency assistance multiple days a week. Over time, volunteers and donors have remained at the heart of the food bank’s operations, making regular donations of time, funds, and food.

While there was once consideration of merging with the local Salvation Army’s food services, it was ultimately decided that operating independently would allow both organizations to better address a wider range of community needs. Though our policies and approaches may differ, we share a common mission: to serve those facing food insecurity with compassion and respect.

Now as Dawson Creek Food Bank, we prioritize dignity and discretion. Our growth has largely been through word-of-mouth and trusted community relationships, rather than widespread promotion. We treat everyone who walks through our doors with care and kindness.

Today, we continue to serve Dawson Creek with the following:

• Monthly food hampers tailored to household size
• Fresh produce, deli, and bakery
• Pet supplies
• Flexible access for emergency food needs
• Written records to help ensure fairness and consistency
• Operating independently while remaining deeply connected to the community

In addition, our food bank includes a soup kitchen that provides hot meals for the community. This service is supported by generous donations from local grocery stores, businesses, restaurants, farmers, schools, community members, and other organizations. The food bank shares dry goods, meat, and produce with the soup kitchen and purchases essential supplies to keep the program running smoothly.

St. Mark’s Food Bank stands as a testament to what a community can do when compassion leads. With continued support from volunteers, donors, and the people of Dawson Creek, we remain committed to ensuring no one in our community goes hungry.

Dawson Creek Food Bank Society serves individuals of all ages, races, ethnicities, nationalities, citizenships, colours, religions, sexes (sexual orientations), income sources, and mental or physical abilities.

We could share countless stories of how we have impacted our clients, but one that stands out is that of a mother with 5 children who came to us in tears, seeking assistance. Her life had taken an unexpected turn, and she had no source of income.

Volunteers are essential for the smooth operation of our food bank, and we have a continuous need for their support. Find out how to volunteer.

We thank you for hearing our story.

This history is based in part on a letter written by A. Sones, Chair of the St. Mark’s Ecumenical Food Bank, dated October 20, 2005.