The People's Pantry Food Recovery Society is a Winner in Port Coquitlam

Cathy Cena, the host of TriCities community TV, intervewed Port Coquitlam City Councillor Glenn Pollock and Kristie De Jong from The People's Pantry Food Recovery Society who are seeking to relieve poverty and reduce food waste by collecting surplus food from food retailers, growers, and manufacturers who have excess food waste. Their intent is to provide this food to people, who are facing food insecurity, including seniors, single parents, and at-risk youth located in the Tri-Cities.  

Additionally, The People's Pantry Food Recovery Society seeks to educate the community about food waste in order to help reduce the amount of nutritious, healthy food that ends up in the landfill.

The People's Pantry Healthy Hampers program began at the height of the pandemic in 2020. Each week, volunteers collect over 2000 lbs. of recovered food and fed over 250 individuals each week with hampers which included fresh produce, dairy, bakery, and protein options (directly and indirectly through other agency's support).

On average, hampers weigh between 35-50 lbs. each and were tailored to meet each families' dietary and cultural requirements. In the Tri-Cities there has been over a 30% increase in food bank patrons since the beginning of 2023, with little sign of relief. The People's Pantry Food Recovery program is a welcome addition to our community that has not gone unnoticed. In only their third operation, the society is a finalist in the Tri-City Chamber of Commerce's upcoming business awards.

Glen’s other volunteer efforts have included helping the Mother Hastings Emmanuelle Society feed the homeless in Vancouver. He currently plays on the Tri City Masters Field Lacrosse League and coaches tyke lacrosse. Glenn also served on various City committees related to sports and recreation, and received a City of Port Coquitlam Volunteer Recognition Award in 2004. For more information check out www.thepeoplespantry.ca.