Image: B.C. Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Sheila Malcolmson talks with workers during a visit to the Upper Fraser Valley Food Hub Friday. / B.C. Govt

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Food Security

Minister visits Chilliwack Food Hub program

Apr 19, 2024 | 2:41 PM

CHILLIWACK — The B.C. Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction was in Chilliwack Friday to meet with residents who are behind a program to improve food security for those in the region.

Sheila Malcolmson visited the Upper Fraser Valley Food Hub at the Salvation Army Care and Share Centre in Chilliwack Friday morning. The Centre has helped to deliver more than 146 thousand meals and more than 13,500 food hampers to homes in Chilliwack, Abbotsford and the Upper Fraser Valley in the last year.

Last summer, the province announced $7.5 million in funding to support local food hubs like the one in Chilliwack. The funding is being distributed to local groups through United Way British Columbia.

The food hub received $120 thousand in funding last year and $142 thousand this year under the plan. According to government officials, the Upper Fraser Valley program has positively impacted more than 21,700 people in the region.