The North Okanagan Starfish Program is looking for community support to address food insecurity experienced by elementary school children in the North Okanagan. The Program, which has been operating for nine years, provides a bag of weekend food for 225 students each week. The weekend bag provides support when school programs and food banks are not available.
“Our goal is to raise funds to cover our annual operating costs,” explains Mary Jackson, President of the Kalamalka Starfish Society which operates the Starfish Program. “Over 92 % of our costs are for groceries that are delivered each week throughout the school year.”
“A regular, nutritious diet is key to students to provide better health, more focused learning and emotional regulation. It reduces family stress by knowing that there is a consistent source of food on weekends,” says Darryl O’Brian, Director of Operations. “Each bag contains two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners, vegetables and fruits for a family of four.”
Community businesses and individuals have been very generous and provide most of the funding for the program each year. The program has over 30 volunteers who help sort, pack and deliver the food bags each week. Partners for the program include: Save-On-Foods, Wayside Press, Keith Construction and Kalamalka Rotary.
“We are a family of five: 3 kids, 2 adults and are so humbled and grateful for your services.
Sometimes the simplest things mean the most. Your thoughtfulness is a gift we will always
treasure. Without this program my family would be lost,” shares one recipient.
A school principal notes that: “Teachers love the program because they know the kids in need in their classrooms will be fed on the weekend. Parents are very appreciative. When children are well fed their behaviour problems decrease right away and their ability to focus increases.”
If businesses or organizations are interested in undertaking fundraising for Starfish, they are invited to contact: [email protected].
To donate on-line, go to www.starfishpack.com/vernon/.
For cheques, mail to Box 1465 Station Main, Vernon, BC V1T 6N7.
Visit the Starfish facebook page to learn more about the program and its impact on students:
www.facebook.com/starfishkalsociety/
