EVR and Fernie Food Security Society announce $450,000 partnership to support local children and families

EVR and the Fernie Food Security Society (FFSS) today announced a $450,000 donation by EVR to support FFSS’s Full Bellies, Full Hearts campaign, helping ensure children and families in the Fernie area have reliable access to nutritious food and the support they need to thrive.

This three-year investment will help sustain and expand programs that provide food assistance throughout the year, including school break food support, weekly backpack program, outreach initiatives and emergency food support. FFSS currently supports more than 145 children in the Fernie area through these programs. 

“The Fernie Food Security Society is delivering meaningful support for local children and families and creating lasting positive outcomes,” said Mike Carrucan, CEO, EVR. “We are proud to support their work to build a strong and resilient community by ensuring children have access to the nutritious food they need.”

FFSS’s latest intake survey found that 90% of recipients worry about running out of food before they can afford more. The survey also found that, among people who used FFSS services in the past year, 69% were better able to stretch their grocery budget, 63% experienced less stress, 61% gained access to healthier food and 53% reported improved household wellbeing.

“Demand for food support continues to grow, and this commitment from EVR will help ensure that children and families in our community can access healthy food when they need it most,” said Melanie Jeannotte, Fernie Food Security Society. “The Full Bellies, Full Hearts program is about more than food—it’s about reducing stress, supporting wellbeing and giving children the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed. We are incredibly grateful for EVR’s partnership and commitment to our community.”

FFSS works closely with local schools, teachers, counsellors and community support workers to identify and support children experiencing food insecurity, ensuring assistance is delivered in a dignified and accessible way.

The Full Bellies, Full Hearts summer fundraising campaign is now underway, raising funds to help ensure local children and families have access to nutritious food through food bins and grocery cards while school-based food programs are on break. To donate visit ferniefoodsecuritysociety.com/donations