In the shadow of Fernie’s spectacular mountain vistas, a sobering reality persists: nearly one in four local children faces food insecurity during summer months when school meal programs go dormant. This week, the Fernie Community Food Bank launched its ambitious “Full Plates, Bright Futures” campaign, aiming to address this seasonal hunger crisis that affects hundreds of families across the Elk Valley region.
“Summer should be a time of joy and exploration for children, not worry about where their next meal is coming from,” explains Dana Mitchell, executive director of the Fernie Community Food Bank. “When school doors close, many families lose access to reliable nutrition for their children, creating a critical three-month gap we’re determined to fill.”
The campaign seeks to raise $75,000 by August 15th—funds that will support emergency food hampers, fresh produce initiatives, and specially designed child-friendly food packages throughout the summer. Local businesses have already stepped forward, with Alpine Lodge Hotels pledging to match the first $15,000 in donations and Fernie Brewing Company announcing a special charity beer release where proceeds will directly support the campaign.
What distinguishes this year’s initiative is its comprehensive approach to child hunger. Beyond emergency relief, the program includes educational workshops on budget-friendly meal preparation for families and cooking classes for children aged 8-14, teaching valuable life skills while addressing immediate needs.
The timing proves particularly critical as inflation continues to strain household budgets, with Statistics Canada reporting grocery prices in British Columbia increasing 5.8% over the past year—significantly outpacing wage growth in the region.
“We’re seeing families who’ve never needed support before coming through our doors,” notes Mitchell. “Many are working multiple jobs but still finding themselves unable to consistently provide nutritious meals, especially during these summer months.”
Community response has been swift. Local restaurants have organized a “Dine Out for Kids” week scheduled for July 24-30, where participating establishments will donate a portion of proceeds. Meanwhile, the Fernie Mountain Farmers Market has implemented a “Buy One, Give One” program for fresh produce purchases.
Child nutrition experts emphasize the critical importance of addressing seasonal hunger. Dr. Helena Wong, pediatric nutritionist at East Kootenay Regional Hospital, points to research showing adequate nutrition’s direct connection to childhood development.
“The neurological and physical development happening during childhood doesn’t take summer breaks,” Wong explains. “Inconsistent nutrition during these formative years can have lasting impacts on cognitive development, immune function, and overall health outcomes that persist well into adulthood.”
For longtime Fernie resident Margo Pickering, the campaign represents the community spirit that defines the region. “This town has always taken care of its own,” she says while volunteering at the food bank’s distribution center. “Nobody’s child should go hungry here, not when we have the means to prevent it.”
The campaign will culminate in a community harvest celebration on August 20th at Fernie’s Rotary Park, featuring entertainment, food, and recognition of campaign supporters. Residents can contribute through the food bank’s website, at donation boxes in local businesses, or by volunteering their time.
As economic challenges persist across Canada, local initiatives like Fernie’s summer hunger campaign highlight both the persistent problem of food insecurity and the power of community-based solutions. The question remains: in a country with abundant resources, why must seasonal child hunger remain an annual crisis requiring extraordinary charitable efforts rather than a solved social problem?
