GVFB employees innovate to improve food access

Two and a half years have flown by for Lisa Bui at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB). “I’m surrounded by people dedicated to the same mission,” says Bui, assistant manager of volunteer engagement. “I meet people from 13 to 80, all working to make sure people can access fresh and delicious food.”

The GVFB provides assistance to some 15,000 individuals monthly across Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster and the North Shore. It also distributes food to a network of agency partners, including small community food banks, daily snack and meal programs for shelters and community housing, school nutrition programs and more.

“Our employees share a sense of purpose, and they give back to the community,” says Corina Somerville, director of human resources. “Their well-being is important to us.”

The food bank offers a number of ways for employees to enhance their well-being. There is a wellness account employees can use for a gym membership or running shoes. The account is also there for medical or dental fees that are beyond what is covered in the extended health plan.

“Our front-line employees have access to group therapy sessions, or even one-on-one counselling,” says Somerville. The organization’s employee assistance program is free to all staff and their families. There is even a Friends of Nala fund, named for the CEO’s dog, to help with vet bills.

“In addition to benefits, we give our employees control by allowing them to book flexible hours or time off,” says Somerville. “And we have fun together.”

Working with the human resources and volunteer program group is a joy for Bui. “We work so well together,” she says. “Every month we set aside time for team building. We’ve done outdoor yoga, and once we joined another department to go kayaking.”

The GVFB has a fund to invest in employees’ professional growth and Bui has taken advantage of the fund to enrol in a leadership program. A few colleagues have taken the same course. “It helps us build relationships and work together,” she says.

A public speaking workshop offered by the GVFB has also been helpful to Bui. “I never thought of myself doing public speaking,” she says. “But I’m doing that now when I host volunteer orientations or speak to corporate groups.”

Bui finds there is a lot to talk about, including the organization’s dedication to innovation. In an effort to reduce food waste, the GVFB has begun to test dehydrating and freeze-drying food to extend shelf life. The organization partners with farmers to salvage their surplus food and provides education on how farmers can apply for a tax credit for the surplus food they donate.

“Employees are encouraged to find ways to do things better and they show pride in the results,” says Somerville. At monthly in-person town hall meetings for all staff, someone is always recognized with a Golden Pallet award – named for the warehouse pallets – for going above and beyond.

Bui’s own work has been recognized with a promotion to assistant manager and she has found support in learning her new role. “My manager’s door is never closed,” she says. “It’s such a collaborative environment.”

At GVFB, Somerville finds that employees connect due to their shared passion for reducing food insecurity. “They do their work with a smile because they can see the end result,” she says. “Every day, we feel proud to see our trucks on the road.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's BC’s Top Employers winners, published February 11, 2025 in the Vancouver Sun. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.