Partners, donors and volunteers in Vernon Starfish Backpack program. (submitted photo)

By Pete McIntyre

food security

Starfish program celebrates 7 years of helping local students

Apr 21, 2023 | 12:00 PM

A Greater Vernon program that provides food for young children is making its mark on the community.

The Vernon Starfish Backpack program, operated by the Kalamalka Starfish Society, is celebrating seven years of operation.

It provides weekend food to elementary school children in the Greater Vernon area who are experiencing food insecurity. The backpacks, or bags, contain sufficient food for two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners along with snacks and fresh fruit and vegetables.

The program is available to every elementary school in School District 22 and recently expanded to include elementary and middle schools in Armstrong.

The Starfish Society hosted its annual update at a Kalamalka Rotary meeting on Thursday and thanked their partners, School District 22, the Salvation Army and Save-On-Foods, along with their many donors and volunteers.

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“With 165 weekly packs at 17 locations, it takes a community to support this program,” Mary Jackson, society chair, said. “From schools who identify students with food insecurities, to volunteers who pack and deliver the bags and committee members who oversee the various program roles.”

Stand Up for Starfish, a fundraiser hosted by Kristin Postill last fall, raised over $31,000 for the program.

Postill was awarded the Starfish “Star of the Year” Award in recognition of her efforts.

L-R: Starfish donors Peter and Terry Leggat and Peter Evans; Starfish donation coordinator Mary Jackson and Kristin Postill, Star of the Year. (submitted photo)

Gen Acton, chair of SD22, said the Starfish Program has been invaluable for many of their most vulnerable students and their families.

“Especially now, with the rising cost of living, these weekend meals relieve a lot of stress for families and can be the difference in whether, or not, they receive a nutritious meal. The District is very appreciative of this additional support available through the Kalamalka Starfish Society,” Acton said.

If any elementary student is experiencing food insecurity, they are encouraged to contact their school staff.

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