Delivering essential nutrition to Langley’s most vulnerable, one meal at a time
No matter our age, access to healthy, nutritious food is essential, not only to help our bodies work properly, but for our mental and social well-being as well.
Just as children need food to fuel learning and play, proper nutrition helps adults and older adults stay healthy, well and living independently. As the BC Centre for Disease Control noted in its 2023 report on Household Food Insecurity, individuals experiencing food insecurity report lower rates of positive mental health, and a greater likelihood of depression, anxiety and sleep disorders.
In short, without adequate nutritious food, vulnerable populations are more susceptible to chronic physical illness, poor mental health and frequent hospitalisation.
The local need
Here in Langley, food insecurity is felt strongly among many residents, from young families struggling to make ends meet to seniors with limited income and mobility challenges, Langley Community Health & Hospital Foundation notes.
In fact, between 2021 and 2024, meal deliveries in Langley City and Langley Township by Langley Meals on Wheels grew by 95.2 per cent - in 2024 alone, volunteers delivered 65,570 hot meals to 2,763 individuals.
How does it work? The non-profit employs professional cooks who work with a dedicated team of volunteers to prepare and deliver nutritionally balanced meals, with each meal tailored to the dietary needs of each client. Meals are provided for a sliding scale, according to income, so while the cost of preparing and delivering each meal ranges from $13 to $15, nearly half of clients in need pay $7.50 per meal, some pay $5.50, and the most vulnerable receive free meals.
Beyond meal delivery, the organization extends its support by providing frozen meals and gift cards to families identified by school counsellors as food-insecure.
Without this support, children, families and seniors would go hungry.
Sustaining the community
To help Langley Meals on Wheels meet that need, Langley Community Health & Hospital Foundation is raising $625,000 - urgently needed funds that will sustain this essential service for five years.
“It would be great if we could bring the price back down to help those with limited disposable income,” note one Langley couple who volunteer every Wednesday morning to deliver meals to a dozen Langley Meals on Wheels clients. “That’s where donations could make a difference.”
Donate today to Langley Community Health & Hospital Foundation and help ensure no Langley residents go hungry, regardless of their situation. Learn more at lchhfoundation.com/end-food-insecurity