United Way BC (UWBC) is appealing to the public for donations to help British Columbians in the Thompson-Nicola and Cariboo regions put food on the table.
“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,” said Alžběta Sabová, director of Food Security with UWBC.
“For many, it means leaving young children alone to work an evening job or being unable to leave home for necessities.”
In a March 25 press release, the organization said the average Canadian household will spend $800 more on food in 2025 than they did in 2024. Sabová attributed a rise in food insecurity to inflation, layoffs and rising food prices.
“We need to step up for our neighbours,” the organization wrote.
All donations go towards local food programs and can be made by visiting the organization’s website. Among the programs supported by these donations are the Clearwater and Williams Lake regional community food hubs, the Mount Paul Community Food Centre in Kamloops and Food Link which delivers food and basic necessities directly to non-profits.
According to UWBC’s website, a $50 donation can help provide one week's worth of healthy and culturally appropriate food for one person, and a $100 donation can provide fresh fruit, veggies and a variety of grains and protein for a family of four for one week.
Last year, United Way’s community food hubs provided over 5,659 meals and 684 food hampers across the Thompson-Nicola and Cariboo regions.
The UWBC's Food Appeal campaign aims to support communities across the province through a network of 108 partners in 23 regions.
UWBC connects British Columbians to supports they urgently need by partnering with services across the province. To get a confidential referral to the support you need, call or text 211 at any time or visit United Way’s 211 site.
