Kalamalka Starfish Society Volunteers (submitted photo)

By Liam Verster

Meals For Children In Need

Fundraiser launched to feed North Okanagan children in need

Apr 25, 2025 | 1:14 PM

The spring fundraiser in support of the Kalamalka Starfish Program has been launched.

The organization opened the fundraiser on Friday, April 25, with the goal of raising money to support the group’s work to provide meals for school children in need.

The program, which has been operating for nine years, provides a bag of weekend for for 225 students in the North Okanagan each week.

“Our goal is to raise funds to cover our annual operating costs,” said Mary Jackson, President of the Kalamalka Starfish Society, which operates the Starfish Program.

“Over 92 per cent of our costs are for groceries that are delivered each week throughout the school year.”

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The Kalamalka Starfish Society said studies have shown one in five children experience food insecurity, and the situation is getting worse with the rising cost of living.

“A regular, nutritious diet is key to students to provide better health, more focused learning and emotional regulation. It reduces family stress by knowing that there is a consistent source of food on weekends,” Darryl O’Brian, Director of Operations, said.

“Each bag contains two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners, vegetables and fruits for a family of four.”

The Society said it takes about $875 dollars to provide one child with weekend meals over the course of a school year. Donations to support the program can be made online here.