Prince George Secondary Launches Food Program to Combat Hunger

The principal of Prince George Secondary School, Randy Halpape, has initiated a program aimed at addressing food insecurity among students and their families. With approximately 1,500 students enrolled, Halpape recognizes that rising living costs have left many families struggling to put food on the table.

“Some families are finding it harder and harder as the cost of living goes up,” Halpape explained. “They have less money to go around,” resulting in a pressing need for assistance. To tackle this issue, Halpape and Maria Turay of the Prince George school district have developed a plan that will send food home with students, specifically during weekends and school breaks.

Maria Turay noted that many students leave school each day uncertain about their next meal. While the school provides breakfast and lunch, there is a notable gap in support during non-school hours. To bridge this gap, the program will distribute food kits that contain ingredients for simple, nutritious meals.

“The meals will be simple yet nutritious and easy for most high school students and caregivers to prepare themselves,” said Turay. The kits aim to provide families with enough food to last through the weekend or during times when they may be short on resources.

The program is designed not only to provide immediate assistance but also to equip students with essential cooking skills. “We want to factor in budget-friendly meals and give instructions that are more than just a recipe,” Turay emphasized, explaining that this approach aims to empower families to prepare cost-effective meals in the future.

To fund this initiative, the school is seeking $25,000 from The Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund, which administers the Adopt-A-School campaign. This funding will cover the costs of food kits, in-school snacks, and basic necessities for students in need. The goal is to provide approximately 125 meal kits each month.

Many families in need are located in rural areas, making it challenging for them to access supermarkets in the city. Consequently, the school will distribute food supplies directly to these families rather than providing grocery cards. The cost of food in the region is higher than in urban areas, exacerbating the situation for struggling families.

Halpape pointed out that job losses in traditional sectors, such as forestry, have further intensified the financial strain on local families. “The need is there for families. And our goal is to support them,” he stated.

Since its inception in 2011, The Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund has allocated over $15.1 million in support to schools across the region, aiming to alleviate the impacts of child poverty. This funding has provided meals for hungry students and covered other essential needs, such as clothing.

This fall, the Adopt-A-School campaign has received 164 requests from various schools, totaling $1.5 million. Notably, all donations go directly to schools, as no administrative costs are deducted.

For those interested in supporting this initiative, donations can be made online or by phone. Through community support, Prince George Secondary School aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of its students and their families.