At Covenant House Vancouver, our mission is to provide essential support to young people experiencing homelessness, and we’re seeing incredible transformations every day. One such story is that of Sam, a resilient young man whose journey from homelessness to independence exemplifies the vital role of our programs. However, as food costs continue to rise, we face increased challenges in maintaining the support that we offer. Here’s how you can help—and have your impact doubled.
Sam’s Journey: From Survival to Thriving
Sam’s path to stability was not easy. After years of living on the streets, he finally found housing, but his struggles were far from over. Initially, Sam survived on a diet of cereal and instant noodles, as he was too shy to ask for help. It was only through the support of Covey’s Cupboard, our essential food service, that he began to see a path forward.
Covey’s Cupboard provides nutritious groceries and meals to youth in need, and helps them not to just survive, but to thrive. Sam received food bags filled with items he loved, like frozen perogies and pasta. Over time, this support enabled him to develop his cooking skills and gain a sense of independence. Today, Sam proudly shares pictures of the meals that he prepares, which reflects his newfound confidence and growth.
The Rising Cost of Food: A Growing Challenge
While Sam’s story is one of hope and resilience, we’re facing a significant challenge: the rising cost of food. In recent months, prices have surged dramatically. According to the consumer price index grocery prices in BC increased 24 per cent between December 2021 and December 2025.
These increases are putting a strain on our resources. The cost of essential items such as vegetables, dairy products, and proteins continue to climb, which affects our ability to maintain the high quality of support youth depend on.
The CHV team makes a difference
Our Food Services team serves all three Covenant House Vancouver buildings, 365 days a year, three meals a day. In 2024, they served over 140,000 meals to youth. Food Services volunteers assist the team with food preparation and general kitchen operations, like washing dishes and serving meals.
Jennifer Ramsay, who has been volunteering since 2014, signed up as a Food Services volunteer because “I wanted to give back to the community, so I looked for an opportunity that involved working in kitchens and with food. I decided to go with a youth-at-risk shelter, as helping young people during a tough time is important and hopefully helps guide them down a path to success.”
We are so lucky to have people like Jennifer who generously give their time and skills to support youth in our care. Volunteers are an essential part of our Food Services team, helping ensure that young people have access to nutritious meals every day. Their dedication not only helps keep our kitchens running smoothly, but also creates a welcoming environment where youth feel cared for and supported.
As food costs continue to rise, community support is more important than ever. Every meal served through Covenant House Vancouver provides more than nourishment. It offers stability, comfort, and the opportunity for youth like Sam to focus on building a brighter future.
With your support, we can continue to provide the healthy meals and groceries that youth rely on while helping them develop the confidence and independence they need to thrive. Thank you for standing with us as we work to ensure no young person has to face hunger alone.