Vancouver firefighters are ditching their helmets and goggles and putting on aprons and gloves as they prepare and deliver meals to hungry students.
“All of our programs are delivered by volunteer, off-duty Vancouver firefighters, dedicating their time between shifts,” said Eric Himmelman, executive director of Vancouver Firefighter Charities.
CityNews recently caught up with Himmelman and his team as they packaged up 250 servings of spaghetti and meatballs, beef bourguignon, and crispy tofu before delivering them to four schools around Vancouver.
The firefighters have partnered with Glowbal Restaurants since 2021 to provide more than 23,000 meals to students in need.
“Nutritional meals for growing kids are extremely important, so that is our main focus. But also, we are chefs, so we know how to cook really tasty meals,” said Glowbal culinary director Alex Kim.
One-in-five children in Vancouver are going to school hungry, according to the Vancouver school board.
“Food security in our district is a very important part of the service that we provide,” said VSB chair Victoria Jung. “As we know, when kids are hungry, they don’t learn. So this opens up their opportunity and their capacity to learn. We know that it’s not just about feeding a belly, it’s about feeding a mind.”
Himmelman says when they deliver meals, teachers can ensure children who need it the most are getting it.
“They’ve identified the kids who need special support, ensuring they have not only the fuel they need to thrive at school, but to have that additional fuel for when they get home after the day, as well,” he told CityNews.
The VFC Snacks for Kids program has also provided nutritional support to thousands of food-insecure children in over 90 Vancouver schools and afterschool programs.
source & photo: CityNews
