Get to Know Us!
About Cranbrook Food Bank
Food has the remarkable power to bring people together. We have an incredible community supporting our programming to ensure that everyone has access to nourishing food and a team of dedicated volunteers that make the magic happen.
– Julie Rose, Executive Director
Pounds of food distributed monthly!
Our History
Serving Cranbrook Since 1982
The Food Bank started in Cranbrook in 1982 in the basement of the Labor Centre on 9th. Ave. lt started because of the collapse in the economy, largely in the forest industry. It was meant to be temporary!
The Food Bank soon moved to an old 1920’s house on 8th Ave, which was provided by the Steelworkers Local 1–405 and BCGEU to house the growing clientele, and generously donated to the Food Bank in 2018.
This donation, the sale of our old warehouse and several amazing construction and equipment grants from the BC government, Columbia Basin Trust, Food Banks BC and Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies, allowed us to build our current distribution / warehouse facility!
Meet the Team
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is a dedicated group of community leaders who guide our mission and ensure the Food Bank continues to serve Cranbrook with integrity and vision.
President: Ian Melligan
Ian is a dedicated student of leadership and a committed Food Bank volunteer. He brings organization, structure and decisiveness as a member of the Board of Directors. Ian enjoys an immense sense of community, whether volunteering at the Food Bank, Community Theatre or the Curling Club. When he’s not deeply involved in the community, Ian’s guilty pleasure is to travel and see the world.
Vice-President: Deborah Russon
Debbie brings a thoughtful, objective perspective to the board and has been a dedicated supporter of the Food Bank for many years. With a strong business mindset, she is committed to strengthening our operations to better fulfil our mission of providing food to those in need. Debbie is known for her direct approach, willingness to speak up, and determination to move ideas forward, qualities that help drive meaningful progress for both the organization and the community we serve.
Treasurer: Diane Babcock
Director: Bill Lindell
Bill, a former junior and high school art teacher, has been a valued member of the Food Bank for 15 years. With his creativity, clear thinking, and decisive approach, he brings fresh ideas to every challenge and helps the team find practical, innovative solutions. His dedication and insight make a real difference in supporting our community.
Board Director: Kim Dick
Kim is a long-time volunteer with the Cranbrook Food Bank and brings deep compassion, caring, and positive energy to her role on the Board. She is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment where all individuals are treated with dignity. Kim enjoys helping others and is passionate about strengthening the community by supporting those facing food insecurity.
Board Member: Don Davidson
Don hails from the mysterious east, having moved to BC from Quebec in the late 60s. He first lived in Cranbrook in the mid 70s when he worked for the IWA Union. He continued working in the Human Resource management field in the forest industry, and Healthcare at various locations in Alberta and BC. He was happy to return to Cranbrook and the Kootenays in 1998. Upon retiring, he started volunteering at the Foodbank first as a pick-up driver on the old van and then on the phones as part of the Friday team. He joined the Board in 2024 and is happy to make his small contribution to an organization that really helps people.
Board Member: Beth Melligan
Beth is a CPA from the Edmonton area who migrated to the mountains (her happy place) in 2018. She started volunteering with the Food Bank in January 2021, first packing hampers, then adding appointment booking. Currently, she continues to work in the office – booking appointments, compiling statistics, and doing bookkeeping, as well as serving on the board as a director. In her spare time, she enjoys curling (in the winter), camping (in the summer), local theatre (any time) and travelling.
Board Member: Hasi Muhandiram
Hasi strongly believes that community strength is measured by how it cares for its most vulnerable. Raised in rural Sri Lanka, he arrived in Canada understanding that belonging is built through service and that no one should face hunger alone.
His connection to the food bank runs deeper than governance. Having volunteered at the food bank directly, Hasi brings firsthand understanding of what it means to show up for neighbours in need. That same commitment extends across the region through Search & Rescue, mental health advocacy, and community leadership.
With over 15 years of leading international businesses and studies in Sustainable Business, Hasi brings strategic and operational expertise to the board. As a Business Consultant and Property Manager across the East Kootenays, he understands the economic pressures local families face and the essential role the food bank plays in the region’s social fabric.
As a board director also serving Wildsight and the Kimberley Nature Park Society, Hasi brings a cross-community perspective rooted in one simple principle: show up and give back.
For Hasi, this role is personal. It is his way of honouring the community that welcomed him and ensuring that the welcome extends to everyone.
Meet the Team
Our Staff
Our staff team works on the front lines every day, supporting clients, organizing programs, and keeping our operations running with compassion and care.
Julie is an action-driven leader dedicated to supporting people in need across our community. Known for her commitment, compassion, and boundless energy, Julie brings a people-centred approach to her work and is driven by a vision of a hunger-free Cranbrook.
An inspirational leader and thoughtful problem-solver, Julie believes strongly in the power of collaboration and partnerships to strengthen food systems locally and regionally. She is deeply committed to amplifying the voices of those experiencing food insecurity and to creating meaningful, lasting change for our community.
Robert Bradley
Robert is a process-focused thinker with an eye for detail. He leads daily operations and facility management to ensure smooth operations. Robert is grateful to have a role that allows him to work with the incredible volunteers who support our community with passion and drive.
Heather Viers
Heather brings valuable experience from her time as the Market Coordinator at the Cranbrook Farmers Market. She is deeply passionate about local food systems and believes strongly that food creates both community and connection; values that align beautifully with the mission and vision at the Cranbrook Food Bank. She is passionate about helping her community and ensuring that everyone has equal access to nourishing food.
Better Together
Board Meetings & Minutes
Annual Reports
Click the below links to view our Annual Reports.
Get in Touch
Contact Us if You have Questions
Operations Manager:
Ph# 250-426-7664
e-mail: operations@cranbrookfoodbank.ca
Responsibility: Food Bank Operations, Vendor and Supplier Contact, Food Provision and Donations
Executive Director:
Ph# 250-426-7664
e-mail: execdirector@cranbrookfoodbank.ca
Responsibility: Food Bank Leadership, Community Contact, Donor Relations, Partner Agency Liaison, Special Events
Program Manager
Ph# 250 464 -0810
e-mail: coordinator@cranbrookfoodbank.ca
Responsibility: Client and Volunteer Services, Office Management, Fundraising Support
Cranbrook Food Bank hours
We love visits from the public, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.
General Enquiries
+1 250-426-7664
Visit Us
1624 Industrial Road 2, Cranbrook, British Columbia
Hours
Monday to Friday
09:30 am - 3:00 pm
Weekends
Closed
Statutory Holidays
Closed