LAKE COUNTRY, BC – August 11, 2025 – Nearly 60 volunteers, partners, and supporters gathered on August 8 to celebrate a remarkable milestone: Joy Haxton, Executive Director of the Lake Country Food Assistance Society, has been awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal. This national honour recognizes her exceptional leadership and enduring contributions to food security and community well-being in Lake Country and beyond.
The Coronation Medal is presented to individuals across Canada who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and service to their communities and country. Joy’s unwavering commitment to improving food security, increasing access to healthy food, and supporting community resilience has defined more than a decade of service with the food bank—an impact now recognized at the highest level.
“This medal is not just a personal honour,” said Joy Haxton, “but a reflection of the collective effort of our staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners who stand together every day to fight food insecurity. I’m deeply humbled and grateful.”
Under Joy’s leadership, the Lake Country Food Assistance Society has significantly expanded its reach, deepened its community partnerships, and developed an innovative network that is focused on capturing and distributing food before it is wasted. Aptly named the Helping Through Sharing Network, it is a collaboration of 50 helping organizations including food banks, schools, First Nations and Métis communities. With an estimated $6 billion worth of food wasted each year in BC alone, the Helping Through Sharing Network addresses a critical need. In 2024, over 619,000 pounds of good food was recovered from donor partners. In turn, the Lake Country Food Bank shared over 187,000 pounds to partners in the Helping Through Sharing Network across the Okanagan.
"I was so pleased to learn that Food Banks BC nominated Joy Haxton for a King Charles Coronation Medal—and even more thrilled to hear she was officially chosen as a recipient," said Mayor Blair Ireland. "Joy has made a meaningful difference not only in Lake Country but also in surrounding communities, and she continues to inspire other food assistance organizations working to meet the ever-changing needs of many. She is the very definition of an incredible leader—committed, compassionate, and determined to make the world a better place. I am so proud to call her a friend. Congratulations, Joy—this honour is truly well deserved!"
The nomination for the medal was submitted by Food Banks BC, who cited Joy’s unwavering commitment to equitable food access and her leadership in both local and provincial food systems.
“Joy is an incredibly inspiring individual who never seems to forget the bigger picture of food for all”, said Nick Johnson, Manager of Member Services at Food Banks BC. “She has a natural bent towards supporting smaller food banks and organizations, inviting them into meaningful partnerships that most often benefit everyone involved. In a sector that can so easily lean into protecting one’s own organizational interests, especially given the economic times, Joy calls others to think counter intuitively, valuing collaboration over competition. I consider it an honor to serve with her in this important work and am very pleased to see her recognized for her leadership in it!”
This recognition reaffirms the vital role food banks play in strengthening communities, especially during times of increasing need. The Lake Country Food Assistance Society celebrates this moment with great pride and extends heartfelt thanks to all who make this work possible.
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**Pictured left to right: Peter Boyd, Peter’s Independent Grocer; Jim Haxton, Lake Country Food Assistance Society; Nick Johnson, Food Banks BC; Joy Haxton, Lake Country Food Assistance Society; Mayor Blair Ireland, District of Lake Country; Amanda Armstrong, Lake Country Food Assistance Society; Rosalie Saddleman, Okanagan Indian Band.
The Lake Country Food Assistance Society is a small food bank with a big reach. Through its monthly hamper program, community fridges, and Food Recovery initiatives, the Society ensures good food stays out of landfills and reaches people who need it most. Its Helping Through Sharing Network connects 50 partners—including food banks, schools, and First Nations and Métis communities—to share recovered food and fight food insecurity across the Okanagan. Learn more at lakecountryfoodbank.org.
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
Sue Manzuik, Food Recovery and Distribution Manager
Lake Country Food Assistance Society