The Vancouver Firefighter Charities (VFC) are announcing the launch of a new 'Fresh Box' delivery initiative that aims to provide healthy produce and grocery items to families in need.
While children are in school, Vancouver Firefighter Charities partnered with the Vancouver School board to support kids and families meet nutritional needs. Now, the new community outreach campaign will see 500 take-home food packages delivered each week to five inner city schools in the Vancouver School Board
The VFC notes that the Fresh Boxes will contain locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as other pantry staples. As such, families of at-risk children will have ingredients to prepare healthy meals at home.
Not only do Vancouver's hardworking firefighters volunteer their time to assemble and deliver hundreds of Fresh Boxes each week, but they also fund the grocery delivery service through voluntary payroll contributions as part of the ongoing Snacks for Kids program.
"Food-security is an ongoing issue among Vancouver's working poor and vulnerable groups but getting enough to eat has been especially hard for families during the COVID-19 crisis," explains Justin Mulcahy, Program Director.
"With our new Fresh Box delivery program, we're working to provide kids and their parents with fresh produce and healthy ingredients to nourish and support them through this challenging time."
And while the program relies heavily on firefighter contributions, the VFC is asking the public and community sponsors for donations to keep this vital initiative running.
All donations will be put toward a $50 gift card in each Fresh Box to help families cover the costs of household essentials such as toiletries, diapers and cleaning supplies. Individuals and community groups can show their support by visiting the VFC online and making a tax-deductible donation to the Snacks for Kids program.
The Snacks for Kids program provide daily nutritional support to roughly 2,500 vulnerable kids in Vancouver Schools.
