Souper Invested In Change

A healthy meal can make a meaningful difference in anyones day, but when that person is a student the impact goes even further. A good meal for kids can reduce stress for families, help children arrive in the classroom ready to learn, and create a more supportive school environment.

This is the important work that is taking place here in the Shuswap, through a school food program put on in partnership with School District No.83, the Shuswap Food Action Society, and Zest Commercial Food Hub.

This partnership is not only impacting our schools but the local economy as well, all due to their commitment to choose local food producers and suppliers FIRST.

This program is proof that when public funding is managed thoughtfully and food is sourced locally, an investment in students can also become an investment in farmers, food businesses, workers, and the broader local economy.

Recently, a member of my team had the opportunity to visit the Zest Commercial Food Hub to see first hand how a team of staff and volunteers are feeding thousands of kids across our riding every single day.

The numbers are impressive.

In just one school year this initiative has not only served over 90,000 meals to students, it put more than $600,000 back into local Shuswap food businesses by looking local first. On top of that, approximately $415,000 was spent on B.C. food. An additional $230,000 was invested directly in local jobs, supporting a coordinator and school meal workers throughout the district.

Meal and snack programs were provided at all 25 SD83 schools, helping ensure students had access to nutritious food during the school day.

One of the strongest examples of this work is the Souper Meals program, delivered in partnership with the Shuswap Food Action Society.

Each week, staff and volunteers prepare hearty meals at the Zest Commercial Food Hub using locally sourced ingredients. These meals are then delivered to students throughout the region.

During the 2024–25 school year alone, the Shuswap Food Action Society purchased approximately $180,000 in food directly from Shuswap farmers and producers and prepared 90,000 hot meals. The program also supported 11 part-time jobs, one full-time position, and the involvement of more than 20 volunteers.

This work has been strengthened by provincial and federal investment.

In 2023, the Province of British Columbia introduced Feeding Futures, a three-year school food funding program designed to help districts expand access to meals and snacks for students. SD83 received an initial allocation of more than $900,000 for the 2023–24 school year.

Federal funding has since added further support. Through the National School Food Program, British Columbia is receiving an additional $39.4 million over three years to expand and enhance school food programs across the province.

Government funding matters. But how that money is stewarded matters as well.

The team behind these programs has intentionally prioritized healthy meals made with locally sourced food. That approach keeps more public dollars circulating close to home. It supports local farmers and food providers, creates jobs, strengthens the regional food system, and gives students an opportunity to enjoy nourishing meals prepared in their own community.

As SD83 School Food Coordinator Serena Caner explained:

“When students have access to healthy food at school, families experience less stress; teachers see improved readiness to learn; schools become more supportive, connected spaces; and communities benefit through local jobs and economic activity.”

The Shuswap Food Action Society describes its mission simply: “Building Community Around Local Food.”

That is exactly what is happening through this partnership. Students are being supported. Families are benefiting. Local businesses are receiving meaningful investment. Farmers are finding reliable customers for the food they grow and produce. Volunteers are giving back to their community.

This is a strong example of what can happen when good ideas, public investment, and committed local leadership come together.

Thank you to Serena Caner, the staff and volunteers of the Shuswap Food Action Society, the team at the Zest Commercial Food Hub, SD83 staff, and the many local farmers and food providers who are helping make this possible.

I would strongly encourage anyone who is able to consider donating to the Shuswap Food Action Society to further support their work in our school district. I can say with confidence your investment in their program is an investment into kids, our future, our businesses, and our economy. Donations can be made online through the Shuswap Food Action Societies website:

https://shuswapfood.ca/