With the school year underway, Vancouver Firefighter Charities’ Snacks For Kids program is back in full swing, ensuring food-insecure children have the nutrition they need to learn and thrive.

Through the dedicated efforts of off-duty Vancouver Firefighters, over the first full week of the school year, more than 4,000 boxes of nutritious, shelf-stable snacks have been purchased and personally delivered to 103 schools and after school programs across Vancouver. That’s direct support for over 12,000 food insecure youth in our community.

Some schools have been identified as needing additional support, which we provide through regular shipments of healthy produce. Through the ‘Fresh Produce’ stream of our Snacks For Kids program, we currently deliver fruits and vegetables to 14 schools across Vancouver, ensuring hungry children have consistent access to fresh, nutritious food.

While we are proud to reach so many kids, this milestone is bittersweet. The immense demand reflects the growing issue of child poverty and food insecurity in our city: 1 in 5 children in Vancouver go to school hungry every day, with that number as high as 3 in 5 in the DTES and Chinatown. Hunger not only prevents kids from learning, it can also lead to health challenges and behavioral issues.

The food provided through Snacks For Kids is more than calories. It fuels focus, participation, and gives children a sense of dignity and self-worth. It’s one simple but powerful way Vancouver Firefighters continue to serve their community outside of the firehall. 

To learn more about our Snacks For Kids program click here. 

If you want to stand with Vancouver Firefighters and work towards making our community healthier, stronger and more resilient, donate here.