Chilliwack Bowls of Hope Society is a registered charitable organization that provides local food security programs and initiatives to children and families in Chilliwack and surrounding areas.

Since its establishment in 2005, Chilliwack Bowls of Hope has played a pivotal role in combating food insecurity within the community. Initially focused on providing nutritious sandwiches to a single school in need daily, the organization has undergone significant expansion in its mission.

Today, Chilliwack Bowls of Hope is dedicated to eradicating childhood hunger and improving the health and well-being of school aged children. We have developed a comprehensive initiative addressing various aspects of food security.

Our Programs & Services

  • Since 2005 the Chilliwack Bowls of Hope Society has operated the Feed the Children Program through the efforts of community-based volunteers, donors and Community Partners.

    Our program currently provides soup and other lunch items to 28 schools within the Chilliwack School District. Through donations from businesses, community partners, and the public, 1000 children in need receive over 150,000 meals during the school year.

  • Starfish supports weekend hunger relief for students with a healthy assortment of meals and snacks in a convenient pack. This program assists 275 students throughout the school year, promoting a healthier and more food-secure community. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on children's lives and empower them to thrive.

  • In May 2022, Chilliwack Bowls of Hope, in partnership with the University of the Fraser Valley Agricultural Student Association and the City of Chilliwack, inaugurated the Community Roots Garden. This initiative boasts more than 60 garden allotments, featuring raised beds, accessible plots, and expansive open spaces.

    The Communal Garden invites all community members to engage in planting, caring for, and distributing harvests, thereby bolstering local food security efforts. Beyond promoting food sovereignty, the Community Roots Garden serves as a catalyst for strengthening community bonds. It fosters ongoing participation, collaboration among garden members, and engagement with the broader Chilliwack community.

  • The BC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program is a partner initiative run by the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets and is supported by the Province of British Columbia and the Provincial Health Services Authority. It provides food-insecure families with a minimum of $27 a week of coupons that can be used at local farmers’ markets to purchase fresh produce, nuts, eggs, dairy, and meat. This program runs during the summer months when the markets are in session.

    Our volunteers meet participants at the Downtown Chilliwack Community Market to distribute coupons and provide educational activities such as a seasonal produce guide with recipe ideas.

  • Our Farmers Harvest Box Program is dedicated to supporting low-income and food-insecure families by providing a weekly delivery of seasonal produce directly from local farms. Each box is thoughtfully curated to offer a variety of fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables, helping families enjoy healthy meals and explore seasonal flavors.

    In addition to the produce, we include curated recipes and creative cooking ideas to promote food literacy and inspire culinary adventures. This initiative ensures families can savor the benefits of local harvests while alleviating financial strain.

    By connecting families with fresh, local produce, we aim to enhance both their diet and their cooking skills, making nutritious meals accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

  • Ensuring equitable access to nourishing, healthy, and culturally preferable food is vital to the overall health and well-being of our communities.

    As the proud Steward Agency for the United Way Upper Fraser Valley Regional Food Hub we support community members to have access to food, food literacy and wellness programming from Chilliwack to Boston Bar in partnership and collaboration with many other non profits dedicated to food security.

  • Since its inception in 2012, our initiative has been dedicated to ensuring children in Chilliwack have access to warm coats and boots. Through the generous support of our partners and sponsors, we've raised nearly $1 million, allowing us to provide vital winter gear to over 1,000 children annually.