When people think about the Okanagan, they often picture vineyards, lakes, tourism, and abundance. It’s easy to assume that food insecurity is a problem that exists somewhere else.

But here in Vernon and across the Okanagan, thousands of our neighbours are struggling every single day to put food on the table.

Recent data from Statistics Canada confirms that poverty continues to grow across the country, driven by rising housing costs, inflation, and affordability pressures. Canada’s national poverty rate rose to 9.9%, while organizations like the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition warn that British Columbians continue to face some of the highest affordability pressures in Canada.

Here in Vernon and across the Okanagan, we see the impact firsthand. More people are struggling to afford rent, groceries, transportation, and basic necessities. For many households, food is one of the first sacrifices made when budgets no longer stretch far enough.

Across British Columbia, nearly 1 in 4 people now experience food insecurity. Children are among the hardest hit, making up roughly one-third of people relying on food support programs.

In the Central Okanagan alone, food support organizations are assisting approximately 12,000 individuals every month, many of them working people who simply cannot keep up with the rising cost of living, according to the Central Okanagan Food Bank.

Food insecurity no longer looks the way many people expect.

It’s the senior stretching a pension cheque. The parent skipping meals so their children can eat. The worker with a full-time job who still cannot afford groceries after paying rent. The person facing mental health challenges or addiction who has nowhere safe to turn. The individual sleeping outside who doesn’t know where their next meal will come from.

At the Upper Room Mission, the growing need is seen every day through the increasing demand for meals and support services. In March 2026 alone, the Mission served 2,538 meals to guests in need, prepared and distributed 212 freezer meals, provided 362 meals through the Winter Shelter Program, and distributed between 440–480 snack packs to individuals facing food insecurity throughout our community.

For many guests, these meals are more than food — they are the beginning of connection, safety, support, a bed, and hope for a better future.

For 45 years, the Upper Room Mission has served people experiencing poverty, homelessness, addiction, and isolation in Vernon.

As the need continues to grow, so does the importance of community support.

Hunger and food insecurity remain one of the core priorities for the Upper Room Mission.

Every meal served, freezer meal prepared, snack pack distributed, and shelter guest supported comes at a real cost. But we believe no one in our community should have to wonder where their next meal will come from.

We want to continue being there for people — offering meals, connection, shelter, wellness support, and hope when it’s needed most.

Will you help?

Your financial support helps ensure we can continue serving our neighbours in need across Vernon and the Okanagan. Every donation makes a direct impact in the lives of people facing hunger, poverty, and homelessness.