With more Saanich Peninsula families finding it harder to make ends meet, putting nutritious meals on the table and in the lunch kit can be a real challenge.
Yet when children are hungry, learning is all the more difficult – why Thrifty Foods Sidney has donated $1,000 to the Sidney Elementary School Lunch Program, helping ensure local children receive the nutrition they need during the school day.
"We’ve always wanted to support causes close to home. With food costs rising, it’s crucial that we support local families and make a positive impact where we can,” says store manager, Brien Michell.
The Sidney Elementary lunch program provides nutritious meals to students who may otherwise go without. Building more than just a healthy school day, the initiative fosters a lasting relationship between Thrifty Foods and the community it serves.
“It’s something that really makes you feel good, knowing you’re helping out the local families and building a connection with them,” Michell says. “We talk to these people every day, and this is a way we can directly give back.”
The team at Thrifty Foods Sidney regularly engages in community events, from the annual Terry Fox Run to the spring fair, raising funds for various local causes. Michell notes that the store carefully chooses which initiatives to support, prioritizing organizations that align with Thrifty Foods’ values, such as the local food bank and the arts. “Supporting the arts and schools are a big part of what we do here,” he says. “We give, and the community gives back – it’s a two-way street.”
“Thrifty Foods Sidney isn’t just a place to pick up groceries,” Michell says. “It’s a gathering place where neighbours meet, friends catch up, and everyone feels welcome. Our long-term employees know most of the customers, and we all take pride in creating an experience that’s about much more than just food."
“We’re excited to keep this work going. It’s about having fun, connecting with people, and doing something meaningful."
For more information visit www.thriftyfoods.com. Make sure to follow them on Facebook for any updates!