WCSS continues to see record-breaking numbers of Food Bank visits. Every week, more of our neighbours are struggling to put nutritious food on the table. The challenges our community faces are real, and we need your help to meet this growing need.
DONATE NOW to the 2025 Whistler Food Bank Campaign.
Read below to hear the story of a food bank visitor in the Sea to Sky.
“I’m in my early twenties, and while I dream of becoming an artist and sharing my Indigenous heritage with the world, my reality feels like a heavy weight on my shoulders and a barrier to reaching my goal.
My parents were survivors of the BC residential school system, and I love them very much, but our home life was pretty unstable. There were times when I had to stay with other family members or friends, which was tough, but it also taught me resilience.
I managed to finish high school, but without the support to pursue further education, my dream of attending art school seems impossible and teaching myself art is a lonely process. I would love to go to art school and have more support and guidance to help me achieve my goals – and I long for connection to other young artists, for inspiration and ideas.
Living on my own now, I’ve created a more stable environment for myself, but my job barely covers my living expenses, and higher costs mean I often have to choose between paying bills and buying healthy food. COVID-19 made things even harder, isolating me and making it difficult to stay active. I’ve gained weight, and this has affected my motivation and mental health.
I love the Sea to Sky Corridor, which is a place rich with the culture and traditions of my people, and the food bank and other programs in the Corridor have been a lifeline, providing me with the essentials when times are tough. I’m grateful for these things, but I need help with more than just the basics.
Every day is a struggle to stay motivated. I sketch in my small apartment, trying to capture the beauty of our land and culture and the pain of my experiences but it feels impossible at times and trying to stay positive is one more thing I’m responsible for on my own.”
– Food Bank Client, Sea to Sky Corridor
These testimonials are excerpts from the food insecurity narratives developed as part of the Sea to Sky Food Resiliency Project by Whistler Centre for Sustainability, Engagement + Planning. Thanks to the food bank clients who responded to the survey used to develop the narratives.