Donor generosity sustains Surrey Schools meal programs during challenging times

It takes a lot to feed 2,250 students, but the district’s meal programs dish out daily nutritious breakfasts and lunches to vulnerable youth and children every day of the school year, thanks to the many donors who have kept the programs running in spite of growing costs from inflation.

“Our district’s breakfast and lunch programs are a priority for our board, and we are so thankful to our community donors,” said Laurie Larsen, Chair of the Surrey Board of Education. “Every dollar donated is used solely to purchase food to ensure our students are fed and able to fully participate in school activities and learning.

“The rapidly rising food costs we’ve seen this year have posed some challenges, however, we’ve been really fortunate this year to have new support from the community, local businesses and organizations.”

“We’ve had several longstanding donors continue to donate to the meal program, and we’ve actually had a few donors significantly increase their donations,” said Laura Lukey, manager of Business Development with Surrey Schools. “They’ve realized how much of an increase there has been in food costs, which has been instrumental for us to continue with the program.”

Some of the district’s longstanding supporters include the Super Save Group, The Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund Society, the Breakfast Club of Canada, PCI Developments and Zenterra Developments.

During the school year, the meal programs serve breakfast at more than 60 schools districtwide, and lunch at 34 schools. Lukey said funding these programs is a collective effort from all donors, big and small, including small businesses, individuals and other non-profits.

“We’re happy to accept whatever donation they’re able to provide, and the fact that they want to continue donating year after year but then also increase their donation has been so incredible,” she said.

Lukey said the district is grateful for all of the donations, as each one makes a significant, positive difference in the lives of students who attend the meal programs by contributing to their success in and out of the classroom.

“We know how important they are – it provides that daily routine for students to connect with program staff, eat a nutritious meal and get the energy they need to ensure they can fully participate in class,” she said. “It has such an impact on the children’s lives and we wouldn’t be able to do it without the support of the businesses, individuals, community groups and all of the organizations we’ve been able to create relationships with.”

Thank you to all of our generous donors for everything you do to support the district’s meal programs!

To donate to our meal programs or for more information, click here.