Rotary Club of Sun Peaks brings back food support programs for seasonal workers

As seasonal workers begin to arrive in Sun Peaks for the winter season, the Rotary Club of Sun Peaks is preparing to bring back its annual food box giveaway and Souper Social nights to help support those facing financial challenges early in the season. 

The programs, organized in partnership with local businesses Ohana Deli and Vertical Cafe, aim to provide seasonal workers with access to food during the months when employment and income can be unpredictable.

The programs are particularly important for workers who arrive in the community before the ski season is fully underway, Linda Hollyer, longtime member of the rotary club, said during seasons with limited snowfall early on, some workers may go weeks without receiving a steady paycheque, and the club has noticed a continued need for food support since the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among young workers who may be living away from home for the first time in their lives.  

Last winter, the club distributed 56 food boxes to seasonal workers through its partnership with Ohana Deli, exceeding its original budget of 50 boxes. The club is budgeting for a similar number this year.

When the program exceeded its budget last year, Hollyer said additional donations from rotary members and community supporters helped cover the costs.

“It’s something that everybody here knows about, and realizes that it’s a really good way to support,” Hollyer said. 

Alongside food box giveaway, the club will also bring back its Soup and Bun nights, known as Souper Social, in partnership with Vertical Cafe.

Last winter, the program welcomed 100 participants across three evenings, providing free meals to seasonal workers during the early months of the ski season.

This year’s Souper Social nights will take place on Nov. 25, Dec. 16 and Jan. 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Vertical Cafe. 

Attendees can enjoy a bowl of soup, a bun and a coffee or water, with the option to dine-in at the cafe, or take their meal to go. Hollyer said there are typically two vegetarian soup options, with a gluten-free option also generally available. 

The evenings are supported by several local businesses, including Nu Leaf, which donates produce for the soup, Cherry Hill Coffee and Brynn’s Bakery. 

Beyond providing food, Hollyer said the evenings offer seasonal workers an opportunity to get out and connect with others in the community. 

“It’s just an opportunity for them to have something different to do that doesn’t involve going and getting a beer,” Hollyer said.

Although the program ran into March last winter, Hollyer said attendance dropped significantly later in the season, prompting organizers to focus on November, December and January this year. By February and March, Hollyer said most seasonal workers are receiving regular paycheques, reducing the need for additional food support. 

The food box giveaway will begin Dec. 15, with requests accepted through communitycare@rotaryclubofsunpeaks.com. 

The boxes are intended for employed community members experiencing financial difficulties, and folks will be asked to put down where they work when requesting a food box. The scheduled pickup window at Ohana Deli will be based on availability and food box distribution will not be available from Dec. 21 to Jan. 1.

Hollyer emphasized that requests are handled confidentially, encouraging those who may be hesitant to reach out for support.

“I think we just want them to know that we understand,” she said. ”Sometimes there’s circumstances like no snow that makes it difficult for them coming to the community.”