New manager brings new ideas to Food Bank

The Crowsnest Food Bank has seen a sharp increase in demand in recent months, prompting the organization to focus on maintaining a steady supply of food while working toward accreditation under Food Banks Canada’s Standards of Excellence.

Gabriela Islas, who took on a permanent role with the food bank after starting as a seasonal employee in October 2024, is leading the organization through this period of growth and change. Originally from Mexico, Islas has lived in the Crowsnest Pass for nearly 12 years. She holds a business degree from Mexico and an Early Childhood Education diploma from Canada.

“My family and I moved from Vancouver to the Pass in 2013 to open a restaurant, and we were in the hospitality business for about seven years,” Islas said, “After that, I worked as an Early Childhood Educator for five years before joining the food bank.”

Her experience in both business and community service has made her transition into the role a natural fit.

“It is an incredibly rewarding job,” she said, “Here, you can actually see the impact of our efforts firsthand, whether it is through families that receive much-needed support or watching our wonderful volunteers come together to help on intake days—whether it’s cooking meals or picking up donations.”

Like many food banks across Canada, Crowsnest Food Bank has struggled to keep up with increasing demand. More people are turning to its services, both in terms of new clients and the frequency of visits from existing ones.

“There has been a dramatic increase in the number of people relying on food banks,” Islas said, “We find ourselves struggling to keep our shelves stocked throughout the year.”

In addition to meeting this rising demand, the food bank is also working to implement new operational standards required by Food Banks Canada.

“There have been a number of adjustments and changes that staff and volunteers have been working through,” Islas said, “For example, we are now required to weigh all the food coming in and going out of the food bank, whether it has been purchased or is a donation.”

Ensuring a reliable food supply remains the organization’s top priority. Beyond that, the food bank is focused on completing its accreditation under the Standards of Excellence, which are designed to ensure food banks operate with the highest levels of safety, dignity, and efficiency.

“These standards cover various areas such as ethics, safe food handling, financial and legal compliance, human resource management, and client care,” Islas explained, “They help food banks provide consistent, respectful, and professional service to everyone who needs support.”

The accreditation process has required both physical and operational changes. The food bank is currently in the final phase, working to formalize its new policies and procedures.

Beyond providing food assistance, the Crowsnest Food Bank is expanding its role within the community by supporting education and skill development.

“We are getting ready for another season with the Community Garden,” Islas said, “If anyone is interested in taking a garden bed, they should contact us.”

Additionally, the food bank is collaborating with Crowsnest Pass Adult Education to create programs that will help clients improve or develop new skills.

With demand continuing to rise, Islas emphasized that community support remains critical. She highlighted four key ways people can contribute:

1. Donations: Non-perishable food items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and oatmeal are always in high demand. Financial contributions are also extremely valuable, as they allow the food bank to purchase food in bulk at lower costs and meet the specific needs of clients.

2. Fundraising Events: The food bank benefits from various fundraising efforts throughout the year, including events organized by local businesses, schools, and the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass. Continued participation in these initiatives helps sustain operations.

3. Volunteering: Volunteers are essential to the food bank’s daily operations. Whether it’s sorting donations, packing food, or assembling hampers, every bit of help makes a difference.

4. Spreading Awareness: Sharing the food bank’s mission and needs on social media, talking to friends and family, and involving local businesses all help broaden support.

“Raising awareness about the food bank and its needs is crucial,” Islas said, “The more people know about what we do, the more we can help those in need.”

With continued community involvement and an ongoing commitment to meeting new challenges, the Crowsnest Food Bank remains a vital resource for residents facing food insecurity.