Food for Thought

Canada

There are over 5,900 children in the Central Okanagan who live in a food insecure home and are at risk of going to school hungry. Since 2009, Food for Thought’s aim has been to eliminate hunger, one child at a time.

Now more than ever, we need to invest in our children's physical and emotional well-being. This is a fundamental opportunity to create a future full of healthy, resilient, and successful adults.

We know that a hungry child has a higher chance of acting out and is less likely to achieve their personal potential. We have seen happy, productive classrooms with reduced behavioral problems, increased academic performance, and a stronger sense of community.

Donate to Food for Thought

Projects

Breakfast Program

Food for Thought provides a free breakfast for 650+ school-aged children a day across 25+ schools. Nutritious breakfast items are made available each morning before classes begin. While this program is geared toward students facing food insecurity, any student is welcome to sit with their friends and share a meal in a safe and inclusive environment. Our dedicated volunteers are packaging over 3000 breakfasts that are being sent out to elementary, middle, and secondary schools each week.

Starfish Backpack Program

Hunger doesn’t take time off, and the Starfish Backpack Program ensures students do not have to go through the week with empty stomachs. The most vulnerable students are able to take food home in a backpack with easy-to-follow recipe cards.

Program Delivery

Food for Thought is run by one full time Program Coordinator and a team of dedicated volunteers. Program Delivery encompasses staff salary, office space, gas mileage – all things essential for Food for Thought programs to continue impacting children and families in our community.

Garden Project

The Food for Thought Garden is a 11,000 square foot plot of land that was graciously provided by the Legacy Foundation. This unique garden is located at Helen’s Acres in Kelowna. The garden is benefiting the children of the Starfish Backpack Program. Food for Thought and our dedicated volunteers have built a raised planter garden that is perfect for people of all ages. We grow fresh vegetables to send home in children’s backpacks so that they have good, nutritious produce available when they are not in school. We encourage field trips from local schools so children can come and experience the garden. We have also developed a plan for individuals with diverse abilities and seniors to have an opportunity to volunteer in the garden. Our wish is to create a fun gardening experience that will be inclusive, encourage volunteering, educate children, and enhance our community, along with providing food security for so many of our local children.

Adopt a Planter

Adopt a Planter

You can adopt a garden planter that was decorated with artwork from Westbank First Nation’s Youth. The base of each planter has four individual paintings. An engraved metal plate will be placed on the raised artwork planter, dedicated to the person you choose for $250. This planter will grow sustainable produce that will nourish local children for many years to come.

Interested in Volunteering? Email fft@hopeforthenations.com to get started! We have opportunities to package breakfast and backpack orders, deliver to local schools, and help out at the garden.