(L to R) : Erica Davies, Save-On-Foods Assistant Store Manager; Mary Jackson, Chair, Vernon Starfish Backpack Program; Nathan Murphy, Save-on-Foods Store Manager; Darryl O'Brian, Vernon Starfish Inventory Coordinator and Terry Trainer, Save-On-Foods Assistant Store Manager

By Pete McIntyre

Starfish program

Grocery store fills big role in local program

Mar 7, 2023 | 7:00 AM

A key partner has been thanked for its support of a program that provides food to local children.

The Kalamalka Rotary Club says its members met with Save-On-Foods almost seven years about getting on board the Starfish Backpack program. The initiative provides weekly food to elementary school children in Greater Vernon who are experiencing food insecurity.

“Without hesitation, the management at Save-On-Foods in Vernon’s Village Green Centre were on board,” Mary Jackson, program chair, said. “Although the pandemic created some delivery challenges, Save-On-Foods continued their support for the program throughout the school year to ensure the backpacks contained sufficient food for two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners along with snacks and fresh fruit and vegetables.”

Save-On-Foods store manager, Nathan Murphy, and assistant managers, Erica Davies and Terry Trainer, say providing the food has been a priority.

“The pandemic certainly brought challenges that none of us could have expected, but the Starfish Backpack Program remained top of mind for us. We know how important this program is for the children in our community and we are proud to continue to support them in any way that we can,” Murphy said.

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Jackson said since 2016, they have responded to the need for more backpacks and are now providing more than 150 bags or backpacks each week at 17 locations.

Now the program is using Save-On-Foods bags as well as backpacks, according to each school’s preference.

“We like that the bags and knapsacks are reusable and can be returned to the school each week for the following week’s order,” Jackson added.

If any elementary student is experiencing food insecurity, they are encouraged to contact their school staff as the program is available to every elementary school in SD 22.

The program has recently expanded to include elementary and middle schools in Armstrong.

For more program information visit https://starfishpack.com/vernon/ or email kalamalkastarfishsociety@gmail.com.