ABBOTSFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT
Community Rallies to Equip 750 Students for Back to School

Over the course of months, the #Abbyschools team and partners ensured that 750 students started the year prepared with backpacks, school supplies, and encouragement from their community. More than 2,000 people attended the Abbotsford School District's annual Back-to-School event, and received food hampers, backpacks, and dinner. 

This initiative, now in its seventh year, has grown significantly. What began with 250 students has expanded to 750, reflecting both the increased need and the generosity of local partners and volunteers.

Community Partnerships at Work

This year's event was made possible through the generosity of many local organizations and individuals:

• Novo Dental
• Salvation Army - made hot dogs and hamburgers for the attendees
• Archway Community Services (Starfish Program)
• Abbotsford Food Bank
• Aggressive Towing
• Abbotsford Youth Commission
• Feeding Futures
• Tim Hortons - Sumas Way
• JD Sports - donated coats
• Trustee Petersen - donated middle school backpacks, umbrellas, and water bottles (Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours)
• Smile Cookie Campaign - funded the remainder of the school supplies

"We're so glad to be here to be a part of making sure that every kid has access to nutritious food and ready for us starting at school on a good foot," shared Rebecca Thuro, Archway Food Security Manager.

Meeting the Need

Each student received a complete set of age-appropriate supplies, distinctly grade 3 and grade 8 bundles, along with backpacks, coats, and additional items. School staff across all 46 schools in the District helped identify families and assisted them in registering for the Starfish backpack program, now run by the Archway Food Bank in partnership with the District. Families are also encouraged to participate in the Feeding Futures program.

About Feeding Futures

Feeding Futures is a province-wide program that helps ensure students have consistent access to nutritious food at school. In Abbotsford, the program is making a significant impact. Last year alone, the program served over 375,000 meals (187,000 breakfasts and 191,000 lunches), representing a 65,000 increase from the previous year, and provided 507 winter hampers to families.

The program's goal is to support students' attendance, behaviour, and readiness to learn by removing barriers related to food insecurity. Moving forward, Feeding Futures is working to expand its reach so that more students can benefit and to ensure that families in need are aware that this support is available to them.

Looking Ahead

"It's my favourite event of the year because it shows the heart of our community. The need is real, and our volunteers and community members step up every time," said Andrea Senft, Early Learning and Child Care Manager at the Abbotsford School District, who is the main event organizer.

While the event was a success, the growing demand highlights the need for sustainable funding. The District anticipates a requirement of $50,000 to $60,000 to support backpacks and supplies for next year. Currently, there is a waitlist of students still needing support.