The Greater Victoria School District has teamed up with local community partners in providing around 10,000 meals weekly to families in need during the ongoing pandemic.
The district’s school-based lunch program has been extended to families identified as the most vulnerable, and distribution zones have been set up in schools across Greater Victoria, where one designated family member can pick up meals each week.
“These are incredibly challenging times for our community, and we know that many of our families are struggling with food security in addition to all the other social, emotional and financial pressures. We want to do everything we can to ease that burden,” said Board Chair Jordan Watters.
“Our staff and local partners have ramped up their efforts to ensure full continuity of our food service program. Adequate nutrition is necessary to support positive education and health outcomes, and we are committed to supporting our families in this way.”
The Ministry of Education’s Community Link Funding, the school district’s partnership with the Food Share Network, local restaurant businesses and funding from the Victoria Foundation’s Rapid Relief Fund have made the program possible.
They are currently providing meals to 1,000 families per week because of the program’s continued efforts.
The school district also has plans to expand the service as more food and funds become available, and hope to include fresh produce in the near future.
