Surrey Food Banks Respond to Increased Demand as Schools Close

As schools in Surrey closed for summer at the end of June, local food banks have reported a significant surge in requests for assistance. Many families, who previously relied on school lunches, are now facing challenges in providing daily meals for their children. According to Kim Savage, director of the Surrey Food Bank, “Families who were just getting by are now carrying the cost of an extra meal every day. Parents are doing their best—but many are already feeling the strain.”

With the loss of access to school-provided meals, families are seeking help to ensure their children have enough food throughout the day. The Surrey Food Bank emphasizes the importance of community support, noting that a donation of $15 can provide lunches for a child for an entire week. This includes essential items such as granola bars, fresh fruit, sandwich meats, and juice boxes.

Support Programs for Students

During the academic year, students in need benefit from various programs offered through the Surrey School District and local non-profit organizations. In response to the growing need for nutritional support, the province launched the Feeding Futures program in 2023. This initiative aims to provide funding to school districts, ensuring that students have access to healthy meals and snacks during school hours.

The Surrey School District, supported by ministry funding, is targeting to provide meals to 10 percent of its student population by the end of the 2026-27 school year, which translates to approximately 8,300 students. This commitment underscores the importance of addressing food insecurity among children and ensuring they receive proper nutrition.

How to Help

Local food banks, including the Surrey Food Bank and the Cloverdale Community Kitchen, continue to seek donations and support from the community. Residents are encouraged to contribute to these organizations to help alleviate the growing demand for food assistance. For more information on how to donate or get involved, individuals can visit their local food bank’s website.

As the summer progresses, food banks in Surrey anticipate that the need for support will continue to rise. The community’s collective efforts are crucial in helping families navigate these challenging times and ensure that no child goes hungry.