By Erin Knutson

At its June 23 meeting at the Seniors Centre, the City of Fernie endorsed a letter from School District No. 5 (SD5) supporting an application for the School Food Innovation Grant to enhance its affordable hot lunch program.

“We appreciate the district’s leadership in this area and look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have in our community,” said SD5 School-Treasurer Nick Taylor in the approved request to Mayor Nic Milligan, council, and staff members.

The grant provides up to $100,000 to improve food security in B.C. school districts by increasing access, sustainability, efficiency, and scalability.

Taylor noted that the grant would prioritize partnerships with community organizations, including local food businesses, and support rural and remote areas within the district.

“For many families, school food programs provide more than convenience; they contribute to student well-being, reduce pressure on household routines and budgets, and support children’s ability to participate fully in learning throughout the school day. An expanded, modernized hot lunch program could deliver meaningful benefits to the Fernie community,” said Taylor.

Mayor Milligan and council members expressed strong support for the request, emphasizing the importance of additional resources for food security programs in schools and the wider community.

Coun. Tracy Audia Kelley addressed food security in her council report at the end of the meeting.

In her report, Kelley highlighted the growing need for food support in the community, citing data from the Fernie Food Security Society (FFSS) and the Fernie Salvation Army (FSA), which reported a 20% increase in food program participants compared to the previous year.

“These numbers reflect greater underlying needs that are not being met,” said Kelley.

She noted that families are increasingly unable to afford necessities such as laundry detergent, hygiene products, healthcare, and mental health support due to rising living costs.

“FFSS supports 71 families, including 125 children, across the school catchment area from Wardner to Hosmer. They have observed a 20% increase in participants seeking assistance for the first time. Sixty percent of these families are fully employed, yet rising costs are creating significant hardship. Among those served, 91% are concerned about running out of food without the program, 77% purchase less nutritious food due to cost, 40% regularly skip meals, and 92% would struggle to pay essential bills such as heat and electricity without this support,” she said.

The Fernie Salvation Army Food Bank serves 500 individuals and 40 distinct households.

“Each month, demand continues to rise. The food share program has supported 8,185 guests over the past six months, averaging approximately 1,450 individuals per month. Hunger is often the first sign of deeper hardship. Many individuals seeking food also require laundry and clothing vouchers, mental health and addiction referrals, safe shelter, and access to spiritual care,” said Kelley.

The collaboration and potential for enhanced programming among Fernie, SD5, FFSS, and FSA reflect a shared commitment to addressing food insecurity in the community.

“They are our friends, neighbours, schools and classmates.”

To donate, volunteer, or support these efforts, please contact FFSS at [email protected] or FSA at [email protected].

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