By Lyonel Doherty

An alarming statistic in Oliver hits the heart – one in five children does not get adequate food and nutrition.

That’s why a new program called Oliver Starfish has been established.

Coordinator Sam Marsel said many families struggle for a variety of reasons . . . cost of living, affordable housing, addictions and mental illness.

“Unfortunately, it’s the kids that end up suffering.”

Marsel said many children rely on school programs that offer breakfast and lunch, but the kids often go home to empty cupboards on the weekend.

This is where the Starfish Pack comes in. Marsel said the program is already running in 19 other cities and towns in B.C.

The pack provides two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners and snacks for children over the weekend.

The Rotary Club of Oliver, Buy-Low Foods and the Town of Oliver have joined in support to make this a reality.

Cathy Cowan, a Rotarian and Oliver’s chief administrative officer, said the Town is merely handling the funds to enable tax receipts provided for donations.

“I think it’s just a fantastic project; something that is needed in our community, and something the community can get behind.”

Cowan said people in Oliver care, and when you really think about it, you can’t say no to children who don’t have the basic necessities.

“We want to make sure that people are taken care of.”

Each is doing his or her part, but Starfish needs more help. Marsel said it only costs $575 to feed a child for an entire school year.

“We greatly appreciate any donations, andall funds go directly to the child,” she said.

A backpack is filled up with food at Buy-Low, then it is delivered to the school to go home with a child on Friday.

Marsel said teachers sadly discover that many kids come to school Monday morning not having had dinner the night before, breakfast that morning or an adequate lunch for the day.

“This makes learning challenging for the student and for the teacher.”

The first backpacks will go out on Dec. 6 at a local elementary school. More information about the program can be found at www.starfishpack.com.

If you would like to make a donation, please contact Sam Marsel at [email protected]. Donations can also be sent directly to the Town of Oliver at Box 638, 6150 Main Street, Oliver, V0H 1T0. (Please put Oliver Starfish in the note line.)

If you would like a tax receipt, please include an email address.

“Thank you from the kids,” Marsel said.