United Way BC Urges Donations to Tackle Rising Food Insecurity

Funds to support Regional Community Food Hubs in Burnaby, Delta, Fraser Valley,  Pemberton, Surrey, Tri-Cities, Vancouver 

British Columbians are struggling to put food on the table as grocery prices soar. In  2025, the average Canadian household will spend $800 more on food than last year. For low-income families,  seniors, and people with disabilities, that’s not just a number. It’s skipped meals, empty cupboards, and impossible  choices between rent, food, and transportation. 

“Imagine having to choose between paying rent or buying food, affording a bus ride to work or walking an hour and a  half before and after an eight-hour shift. For many, it means leaving young children alone to work an evening job or  being unable to leave home for necessities,” said Alžběta Sabová, Director, Food Security, United Way British  Columbia. With inflation, layoffs, rising food prices, too many people are struggling to stay afloat. Through it all, United  Way BC is committed to supporting people in need.” 

Half a million people in BC don’t have enough to eat every day, and that number is growing. That’s why United Way  BC is launching a Food Appeal, supporting communities across the province through a network of 108 partner  organizations in 23 regions, including communities across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, expanding to  additional regions in 2025/2026. Every dollar stays local, supporting food programs in your community. 

“Our world is changing, and it’s getting harder to get by—especially for low-income families,” says Justin, a father of  three on disability income who volunteers with the Kekinow Indigenous Food Program in Surrey. “Even working and  middle-class people are struggling.” 

United Way BC Regional Community Food Hubs prioritize choice, ensuring people access healthy, nutritious, and  culturally appropriate foods. Last year, the hubs provided over 2.2 million meals and 936,000 food hampers across  the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. 

Donations to United Way BC’s Food Appeal will directly support: 

• Local Food Programs; 

• Regional Community Food Hubs, which bring together local community organizations to support the unique  food needs of the area they are in;  

• Food Link, an innovative program that supports the delivery of food and basic necessities. 

With inflation, job losses, and economic uncertainty, we need to step up for our neighbours. Let’s pull together and  help our most vulnerable citizens during this difficult time. 

TO DONATE OR LEARN MORE: uwbc.ca/fullerplates 

About United Way British Columbia 

United Way BC helps build healthy, caring, and inclusive communities across our province. We strengthen vital connections that support people in need with a focus on emergency response, kids and youth, seniors, mental health, and food security. uwbc.ca