Delta firefighters Warren Balzer and Josh Clarke showcased the success and plan for 2024 of their initiative, the “Delta Firefighters Healthy Snack Program,” during the regular Delta council meeting on Monday, Jan 8. Launched in 2021 to address food insecurity in the Delta School District, the program has evolved into an ongoing resource for needy students. They are hoping to get some support from the community to ensure its success.
The primary objective is ensuring no child attends school without adequate nutrition. Run entirely on a volunteer basis, the program delivers snacks to 31 schools in Delta, including 24 elementary schools and seven high schools. The program runs in 30 of them and nine alternative programs, adding up to 39 schools and programs that the Delta Firefighters support. Volunteers collect food items from Costco and deliver them to schools in their vehicles.
Funding for the program comes from various sources, including the Delta Firefighters Payroll Deduction program, community donations, and a Feeding Futures Grant for 2022-2023. The program has experienced significant growth, expanding from 12 schools in 2020-2021 to 39 schools in the 2023-24 academic year.
The number of students benefiting from the program has also substantially increased, rising from 900 in the 2021-2022 school year to 1500 in the 2023-2024 academic year. However, this positive impact comes with a growing financial burden, as annual costs have surged from $5,550 in the first year to $94,500 for the current year.
The firefighters acknowledge the rising food costs and general food insecurity, anticipating a continued increase in demand, which could strain funding. In a statement, they emphasized their commitment to eliminating the stigma associated with seeking help, stressing that the program is free to schools and students.
The Delta Firefighters Charitable Society is a federally registered charity. If you would like to donate to the Delta Firefighters to help them with this program, you can donate online https://www.deltafirefighters.com/delta-firefighters-healthy-snack-program/ or to any fire hall in Delta.
Guy McKintuck, Fire Chief of the Delta Fire Department, expressed his pride in the firefighters’ initiative, stating, “Once again, they are finding a need within the community and coming together to fulfill it.” He highlighted the program’s unique funding model, where members contribute through payroll deduction, and firefighters volunteer their time to coordinate and deliver snacks, showcasing the positive impact the community can make.
Kirsten Hermanson, District Manager - Prevention & School Wellness, Learning Services, Delta School District, praised the program’s role in providing stigma-free access to nutritious snacks, enabling students to focus on their education without the distraction of hunger. She expressed gratitude to the Delta Firefighters for their dedication in personal contributions and volunteer hours, making a significant difference in schools across Delta.
