Within British Columbia, the staggering reality persists: one in five children grows up in poverty. This stark statistic underscores the urgent need for support systems to alleviate hunger and ensure these children's well-being.
Schools become more than just places of learning for many of these children; they serve as vital sources of nourishment. Breakfast, lunch and snack programs provided by schools offer essential nutrition, while weekend initiatives collaborate with schools to provide additional support with food and snacks to take home.
Yet, the struggle against hunger extends beyond the school walls. Families facing financial hardship often turn to local community associations and support programs. These organizations provide crucial assistance with fresh food, grocery gift cards, and specialized dietary needs, such as those for conditions like celiac disease.
In this landscape of need, organizations like CFAX Santas Anonymous play a pivotal role. With a steadfast commitment to addressing childhood hunger, they provide timely assistance and financial support to programs dedicated to alleviating food insecurity.
Together, through collective action and community support, we can work towards a future where no child goes to bed hungry, ensuring every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
SPRING 2024 THROUGH SUMMER 2025 GRANTS:
The Sooke Family Resource Society was awarded $3,000 to support children and families with special dietary requirements and food insecurity, offering emergency assistance to help meet their basic needs.
$17,000 granted to support breakfast programs located in Sooke: two elementary school and one middle school.
$7,500 in emergency food for families granted to Mayne Island Food Bank.
Tillicum Community School received $7,000.00 to continue the breakfast program for the 2024-2025 school year.
Burnside Community Association provides food security for families facing food insecurity. Fresh food hampers are provided in May and June to 60 families per week, and 60 families per week receive healthy snack bags in June and July. Families also participate in a weekly BBQ offering food, resources, and community inclusion. $30,800 was awarded to support food security throughout Spring and Summer 2025.
Sooke Food Bank was awarded $17,000.00 for the school breakfast program administered through the food bank to two elementary schools and one middle school in Sooke for the 2024-2025 school year. Rising food costs and increased need for the breakfast program resulted in a shortfall for the school year. An additional $5,250.00 was awarded in March 2025 to fund the program through the end of June.
Backpack Buddies was awarded $25,000 to support local children and youth with food for the weekend, accessed through their schools every week. Students are provided with food and snacks on Fridays in a backpack. This funding will support children through 2025.
$5,100 was awarded to provide food for spring break camp and snacks throughout the school year to the Amber Academy in Sooke. Sooke Food Bank provides hot lunches and healthy snack options for the well attended programs.
CFAX Santas Anonymous Society recognizes the immediate struggle local food banks are currently facing, with an increasing number of families signing up for help each month. The summer months prove to be in higher demand, as children and youth are out of school and lack access to breakfast and lunch programs. In Summer 2025, CFAX Santas Anonymous will provide funding of $5,000 each to the Saanich Peninsula Food Bank, Sooke Food Bank, and Goldstream Food Bank for the month of July, and an additional $5,000 each for August, to top up registered families' hampers with breakfast foods and lunch items.