“There are many reports that state starting the day with a healthy, well-balanced meal has a significant effect on academic success. The work done by the local Starfish group has been greatly appreciated by our staff, students and families." Gord Stewart – Langley School District Superintendent
Each school year, we provide backpacks filled with food each week to low-income families. This year, 2024, we supply weekend food to 86 children in 3 elementary schools in Langley. We partner with the Langley School District Foundation, two Langley Rotary clubs, the Shewan Foundation, and Save-on-Foods to provide food for these families in need. United Churches of Langley members, along with community volunteers sort, pack and deliver backpacks schools each week when school is in session. Langley Drycleaners has been dry cleaning the backpacks for free every six months.
Our Starfish Pack Program in Langley is a 12-month program, which means that when school is not in session (i.e. Summer, Christmas and Spring Break), we provide food gift cards for the families.
Each backpack provides enough food for two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners, fresh fruits and snacks for the weekend. It cost approximately $750 per year to feed a child every weekend.