How we Help

Programs

How we Help

Programs

While our standard hamper program alleviates the challenge of hunger, the Nutrition Improvement Program specifically works toward improving the health of our community members. Established in 2018 to provide all clients with access to nutritious food and resources that promote healthy eating habits, the Central Okanagan Food Bank's Nutrition Improvement Program contributes to more positive outlooks and helps individuals stay balanced.

The Tiny Bundles program has been designed specifically for pregnant moms and families with children under the age of one. In addition to a monthly hamper, our Tiny Bundles clients receive weekly supplements including milk, eggs, meat and produce, as well as diapers, baby food, and formula.

Click Here For More Information on our Tiny Bundles Program.

Children between 1 and 15 years of age receive a Snack Pack – a bag with 5 days’ worth of after-school snacks. These packs include low-sugar granola bars, fruit, fruit juice, yogurt, cheese strings, and more. We avoid high-sugar items in these snack packs to support the health of our community’s children.

Click Here For More Information on our Snack Pack Program.

Our Vitality Program ensures that essential nutrients are provided to the most vulnerable households: families with children and youth living in the home, as well as households with seniors. All Vitality hampers are augmented by an assortment of dairy, eggs, meat, fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure those in need can access essential nutrients and enjoy a balanced diet.

Food security means everyone receives access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their food preferences and dietary needs for an active and healthy life. The Central Okanagan Food Bank recognizes that not all residents have the same dietary needs, and that a portion of our community has medically diagnosed health problems that may require specialty diets. Clients with diagnosed dietary needs receive specialized foods, such as gluten free, low-sugar, or low-sodium options, etc.

The Central Okanagan Food Bank partners with the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets in a unique program called The BC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program (FMNCP), a healthy eating initiative that supports Farmers’ Markets and strengthens Food Security across British Columbia. On their behalf, we distribute coupons to our low-income family and senior clients (those who have pre-registered and attended our Food Literacy course). These coupons can be spent at our local Farmers’ Market to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, eggs, meat, and more. Each household enrolled in the program is eligible to receive $27 in coupons each week.

We are currently accepting applications for the 2024 Season. Please Apply Here.

Our School Breakfast program, in partnership with the Breakfast Club of Canada, ensures that all students have reliable access to nutritious food in a safe and supportive environment. Participating schools provide breakfast for their students every school day, in order to positively impact health and learning. During the 2023 school year, we helped to provide over 60,000 breakfasts to local students in School District #23.

The Central Okanagan Food Bank’s Perishable Food Rescue Program operates 364 days/year, partners with 18 local retail grocery partners, as well as local farmers to recover all perishable food regardless of viability. Edible foods are then distributed to individuals, families, and community agencies. Inedible foods are either distributed to farmers for animal feed or sent for compost. Our Perishable Food Rescue Program addresses the environmental, social, and economic issues of food waste, by taking surplus perishable food and finding the best and most appropriate use for that food.

Click Here for More Information on our Perishable Food Rescue Program.