Tag food insecurity Abbotsford | Food Bank Archway Food Bank

September 5, 2025

More Than a Meal: A Teacher’s Perspective on the Impact of the Starfish Pack Program

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.

More to the Story

By Rebecca Thuro & Food Justice Team

“Mom, can I go my friend’s birthday at the rec centre on Friday?” says Katrina to her mother Tricia. Tricia wants with all her heart for her daughter to be able to experience the joy of celebrating her friend, but she has a dilemma. The car ride to the rec centre is across town, and a birthday gift is out of the question. The last she checked, there was $20 in the bank, gas in the car was on empty and the fridge was looking bare. Friday’s pay day felt very far away.