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Donations needed to tackle rising food insecurity
Funding supports Regional Community Food Hubs in Cranbrook, Kimberley, the Similkameen Valley, North Okanagan and a new hub in Kelowna
British Columbians are struggling to put food on the table as grocery prices soar. In 2025, the average Canadian household will spend $800 more on food than last year. For low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities, that’s not just a number. It’s skipped meals, empty cupboards, and impossible choices between rent, food, and transportation.
“Imagine having to choose between paying rent or buying food, affording a bus ride to work or walking an hour and a half before and after an eight-hour shift. For many, it means leaving young children alone to work an evening job or being unable to leave home for necessities,” said Alžběta Sabová, Director, Food Security, United Way British Columbia.
“With inflation, layoffs, rising food prices, too many people are struggling to stay afloat. Through it all, United Way BC is committed to supporting people in need.”
Half a million people in B.C. don’t have enough to eat every day, and that number is growing. That’s why United Way BC is launching a Food Appeal, supporting communities across the province through a network of 108 partner organizations in 23 regions, including the Southern Interior, expanding to additional communities such as Kelowna in 2025/2026. Every dollar stays local, supporting food programs in your community.
United Way BC Regional Community Food Hubs prioritize choice, ensuring people access healthy, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods. Last year, the hubs provided over 61,492 meals and 41,240 food hampers across the Southern Interior.
Donations to United Way BC’s Food Appeal will directly support:
- Local Food Programs;
- Regional Community Food Hubs in the Similkameen Valley, North Okanagan, Cranbrook and Kimberley, which bring together local community organizations to support the unique local food needs;
- Food Link, an innovative program that supports the delivery of food and basic necessities.
With inflation, job losses, and economic uncertainty, we need to step up for our neighbours. Let’s pull together and help our most vulnerable community members during this difficult time.
United Way BC photo
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