Delta firefighters are hoping to spread the word in the community about a Healthy Snack Program for schools that has seen demand increase while costs keep going up.
In a presentation to Delta council on Jan. 8, members of the Delta Firefighters’ Charitable Society provided an update on the society’s Healthy Snack Program, which sees firefighters organize and deliver snacks to designated schools.
This will be the fourth year of the program, created in cooperation with the Delta School District.
The program initially started at six North Delta schools, but now it has expanded quickly to more than 30 schools throughout the city.
Funding for the program comes primarily from Delta firefighters pay cheques as the society has a member payroll deduction program in which members donate every pay period.
According to the society, total contributions through donations, firefighters have donated around $100,000.
Warren Balzer and Josh Clarke told council their goal is simple in that no child should attend school without adequate nutrition. The snacks go to children identified as needing them, some going to school without a lunch or having eaten breakfast.
In 2020/21, almost 900 students utilized the program, and by 2023/24 that number is projected to have grown to around 1,500. Meanwhile, the annual cost has grown from $5,520 to $94,500.
They noted they have reached out to the community and received some generous donations as the costs are “pretty much maxing us out.”
Hoping to get the word out for more donations, they noted they expect the cost to only increase. They are also looking for connections including businesses that may be interested in helping out as well as fundraising ideas.
Thanking firefighters for their effort, Coun. Jennifer Johal said she hopes the community acknowledges the positive impact for classrooms and recognize that the program can’t run on its own.
The charitable society was created and authorized in September 1994.
