Rotary Club of Sun Peaks expands food support initiatives for local workers

As the cost of living continues to challenge seasonal workers, the Rotary Club of Sun Peaks, in collaboration with Ohana Deli, is stepping in to help fill a critical gap through confidential food support initiatives aimed at easing food insecurity.

The program, developed in partnership with local businesses, provides grocery boxes and free meals to employees who may be struggling financially, particularly those new to the community or experiencing reduced work hours.

“We don’t have a food bank here,” Jackie Van Vliet, co-president of Rotary, said. “We saw a gap we were able to help fill.”

Grocery box program supports workers in transition

While the food assistance program was originally created to support employees at the start of the season, fluctuating conditions this year led to an increase in requests for help.

The boxes contain staples such as produce and pasta, allowing recipients to prepare meals at home rather than relying on takeout.

Individuals in need can request support by emailing communitycare@rotaryclubofsunpeaks.com, with no identifying information shared publicly. Once approved, recipients are given a time to discreetly pick up groceries directly from Ohana Deli.

Approximately 50 food boxes have been distributed so far this season. Due to higher-than-expected demand, Sun Peaks Rotary exhausted its initial budget, prompting additional donations from community members. While requests have slowed in recent weeks and the program is currently paused, the club continues to monitor the need and may relaunch it if demand increases.

Free soup nights offer another layer of support

In addition to grocery boxes, the rotary club has partnered with Vertical Café and New Leaf Produce to offer free soup nights for local workers.

New Leaf donates half of the vegetables, Sun Peaks Rotary covers the remaining food costs and Vertical Café prepares and serves the soup, providing staff and space for the initiative.

Soup nights are held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 11 and March 11. Guests can eat on-site or take soup home, with no registration required. 

Rooted in community care

The idea for Sun Peaks Rotary’s food support initiatives dates back to the COVID-19 pandemic, when seasonal workers were laid off early and left without income.

“That was when we first tried to put together something like a food bank,” Van Vliet said. “It’s evolved into these partnerships, which we feel people are more comfortable accessing.”

Van Vliet emphasized there is no judgment attached to asking for help and encouraged anyone who needs support to reach out.

“A lot of us have been there,” she said. “This community really wants Sun Peaks to be a place where people can afford to live, work and enjoy the mountain. There’s absolutely no shame in needing a little help here and there.”

Van Vliet says that Rotary remains committed to supporting the well-being of local workers and will continue adapting its programs as community needs change.