In the early 1970’s the Christmas Bureau was an annual program organized through Abbotsford Community Services to ensure that everyone in our community would be able to join in the celebration of Christmas. During the recession of the 1980’s many families and individuals were finding it increasingly difficult to provide for the basic necessities, let alone for Christmas. Fortunately, our community responded to these peoples needs and also recognized the extreme need for assistance throughout the remainder of the year. Thus, the Abbotsford Food Bank was formally established in 1983/84.

In the early 1980’s the Food Bank was assisting approximately 900 people every month. Today we are helping over 3000 people each month with approximately 40% of those being children.