As a dedicated educator in Abbotsford since 2012, Jana has spent her career finding meaningful ways to support students and families. While her teaching journey has taken many forms – music teacher, school counsellor, and now a learning support teacher – her connection to her students has remained constant. One of the key ways she’s been able to support the development of her students is through nutrition – that’s where Starfish Pack comes in.
Archway Food Bank driver, Colin
Want To Help?
The Starfish Pack program is working to address food insecurity, one child at a time. Your donation helps provide over 700 Abbotsford school students with nutritious food packs each weekend so they can return to school ready to learn.
Addressing Her Students’ Needs
Starfish Pack began in 2013 with just six packs a week to now feeding over 700 students each week in 39 schools across Abbotsford – something Jana has witnessed firsthand over the years.
“As a teacher, it’s a huge relief to know my students’ food needs are being addressed,” said Jana. “Early in my career, I was constantly bringing in food and trying to figure out how to feed my students on top of lesson planning. Starfish takes that pressure off and lets me focus on education.”
Jana feels lucky that Starfish Pack has been a part of her entire teaching career and appreciates that referring students to the program is easy for educators.
“We just observe who is not bringing lunches or who seems hungry. If we think a family could use the support, we talk to the principal or youth care worker. It’s great that there is almost no barrier if we see a child is in need.”
That help takes the form of meal packs containing two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners, and snacks to fill in the gaps on the weekend. Volunteers pack and deliver packs to the schools where they are lined up for the children to discreetly pick them up every week. The packs offer much more than just food – they provide accessibility and peace of mind to caregivers.
“For parents and caregivers without access to a vehicle, getting to the food bank or to one of our satellite locations can be a significant barrier. Therefore, having the food accessible at a place where their children already are is one less thing to worry about,” said Rebecca Thuro, food security manager at Archway.
Summer Starfish volunteer, Shawna
“For parents and caregivers without access to a vehicle, getting to the food bank or to one of our satellite locations can be a significant barrier. Therefore, having the food accessible at a place where their children already are is one less thing to worry about.”
Summer Starfish volunteers
Keeping the Shelves Full All Year Long
And that accessibility doesn’t stop when the school year ends. Through the Starfish Summer program, which was introduced in 2019, families who rely on school year packs continue to receive food support during July and August.
“When I found out that Starfish was being expanded to summer, I was astounded and just really blown away by the community’s generosity,” said Jana.
Why Food Accessibility in Schools Matters
Recently Jana had the opportunity to share the impact of Starfish in front of a small audience of donors and community partners.
Jana speaking to donors and community partners at golf event
“We’re not just feeding children, we are feeding families,” Jana said during her presentation.
“I know some parents have to skip meals to provide for their children, but Starfish Pack makes it easier to have enough food for the family to go around.”
While the impact of Starfish might not always be visible on the surface, Jana believes its influence runs deep.
“It’s kind of an invisible thing, and yet it’s affecting every part of a child’s day. When a student isn’t stressed about food, their whole nervous system is more relaxed. They’re ready to learn, grow and be with their friends.”
She adds that the program plays a critical role in building a culture of care within schools.
“When students know they can come to school and not just get education or emotional support, but also food – that makes the school a hub of safety. It’s one more way we show we’re here for them.”
Jana is quick to credit the volunteers and donors who make Starfish possible.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone who contributes. I know that Starfish represents a really big impact for all of these families, and we, as educators, feel really supported knowing that there is food coming from the community for these kids.”
