New Program Helps Fight Food Insecurity and Encourages Connection

Majors Diane and Glynden Cross, leaders at The Salvation Army’s community church in Surrey, B.C., have always been passionate about ensuring food security. Over the past year, they launched a program called “Food Matters,” which helps clients access snacks. It also raises awareness about The Salvation Army’s services for those who may be unfamiliar with them, particularly the many newcomers who recently arrived in the city.

“We have a huge immigrant population here in Surrey who know nothing about The Salvation Army,” says Major Diane. “It is about food security first and foremost, but we are also introducing people to The Salvation Army.”

The program is to eventually be multifaceted.

“Food Matters has a lot of different umbrellas that we’re branching out into,” Major Diane adds.

The current initiative provides snacks, beverages and conversation around food security, and builds relationships with students from a nearby high school. Holding it twice a week in the parking lot of The Salvation Army makes it accessible for students as they walk home from school.

“We are trying to reach teenagers and talk to them.”

“There are lots of people out there who aren’t using our services and are still seeking food security, so we are trying to reach teenagers and talk to them,” Major Diane says. “We want to engage with the students so they feel comfortable around The Salvation Army. It’s about introducing a whole new generation to what The Salvation Army does.”

Understanding the Army’s services encourages students to inform their parents about any assistance they may require. It also inspires them to complete their community service hours by volunteering for The Salvation Army.

“We are hoping that as they mature and become adults, they’re going to remember and then they are going to teach their children,” she adds.

“It’s about introducing a whole new generation to what The Salvation Army does.”

The staff and volunteers that make this program possible are very creative when it comes to preparing the snacks. They don’t have access to an oven, so must rely on air fryers and hot plate burners. As the program moves forward, The Salvation Army will need all hands on deck for Food Matters to run smoothly.

“We need volunteers. We need people who have a passion for cooking and for teaching. We are limited in our kitchen,” Major Diane shares.

In January, Food Matters will introduce a new initiative. The Salvation Army will host cooking classes three times weekly for children between seven and 11.

There are also plans to form a gardening group that teaches clients how to grow their herbs and spices for their everyday meals. Major Diane is calling on members of the local gardening community to volunteer their time and participate in this program that could benefit many families in the long run.

As Food Matters continues to grow, more initiatives will be introduced.

“We can’t stay stagnant here in Surrey. We are the second largest city in B.C. and we have to build off that,” Major Glynden says.

By Juan Romero