Impact Stories

Food Security, Local Love and Vital Connections in the South Okanagan

Through our Food Security Initiative, United Way British Columbia is working with local community partners across the province to address British Columbia’s shifting food needs.

Did you know that one in seven Canadians live in food insecure households? For families with children, that number is even higher. The COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating effect on people’s ability to feed themselves and their families due to increased unemployment, disrupted supply chains and growing food costs. Through our Food Security Initiative, United Way British Columbia is working with local community partners across the province to address British Columbia’s shifting food needs.

Many of our local community partners across our region are already supporting individuals and families to be more food secure – such as the Princeton & District Community Services Society (PDCSS) and their Meals on Wheels program. This initiative has been doing amazing work to support seniors by delivering nutritious and affordable meals to their homes, 5 days per week.

We talked to Becky Vermette, Executive Director at PDCSS to learn about their Meals on Wheels program and more of their work supporting the community, and here is what she has to say:

“Prior to 2020, Princeton & District Community Services Society had operated Meals on Wheels for many years. However, due to funding challenges, the difficult decision to close the program had to be made. Thankfully in the spring of 2021, PDCSS and BCHousing were able to negotiate funding to reintroduce the program for three days per week. We are extremely grateful to United Way British Columbia for the recent funding contribution to increase our delivery to 5 days per week, at a time when our community needs all the extra resources we can get. We hope that this service can benefit families who may not have the means to prepare nutritious meals at present.

Not only does Meals on Wheels provide food security for many, but the service also assures our clients have an extra support system in place, whereas we can identify further resources that may assist the client to live more safely and comfortably.

Thank you, United Way British Columbia, for your ongoing support during these challenging times!”

Drive thru. Dig in. Donate!

Support food security initiatives in the region by joining us on March 2nd, 2022, from 6:30am – 9:00am at the Penticton Lakeside Resort! All dollars raised through the event will be invested back in the community to strengthen vital connections in our community – from Summerland to Osoyoos.

Help us build stronger, healthier communities and improve lives locally. We need your support more than ever – drive thru, donate, and dig in on March 2nd!

Stay tuned for more details about the event.

Pictured: volunteers helping the Princeton & District Community Services Society and their Meals on Wheels program.