In 2013, we began counting, and a little over a decade later, we’re set to cross an extraordinary milestone—5 million meals served. This is more than just a number on a scoreboard; each meal represents an act of connection, care, and dignity.
These meals go beyond simply filling a plate—they provide warmth to people facing the harshest housing conditions, steady nourishment for those battling severe health issues, and energy for individuals determined to rejoin or enter the workforce. For youth growing up in the Downtown Eastside, they represent the start of a lifelong, healthy relationship with food. For mothers, they mean the comfort and strength needed to nurture their children.
Each meal is a moment of dignity, prepared with thought and love, down to the last garnish. This isn’t just about reaching 5 million; it’s about continuing to show up, every single day, for people who are someone’s daughter or son, or possibly folks trying to be the best mothers and fathers they can be. When we feed our community, we’re feeding family. Thank you for being a part of ours.
But we’re hoping to cross the 6 million threshold by 2026, which means increasing our daily meal average by approximately 900. If successful, we will support a stronger, safer and more connected community – where understanding, empathy and love prevail.
BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR – these sustained donations allow us to forecast and grow. As part of our monthly donor family you’ll be invited to regular events and fundraising opportunities.
BOOK A PLENTY OF PLATES – THESE EVENTS HELP US BUILD OUR COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT WHILE DIRECTLY SHARING THE IMPACT OF A MEAL, FIRST HAND. AN EXCELLENT TEAM BUILDING EXPERIENCE AND A WHOLE TONNE OF FUN. A MINIMUM DONATION OF $5,000 IS REQUIRED WHICH COVERS ALL COST OF GOODS, LABOUR, COORDINATION AND FACILITATION – WHILE STILL HELPING US GROW OUR DAILY MEAL PROGRAM.
ONE-TIME DONATION – YOUR GENEROSTIY OF UNRESTRICTED FUNDS HELPS US KEEP THE LIGHTS ON AND COVER EXPENSES, ALLOWING US TO GROW OUR IMPACT.
Experience the power of purposeful giving as a family and help uplift our community. Every week, A Better Life Foundation invites neighbours from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside community for a free, 3-course sit-down dinner in the iconic Save On Meats building.
We call it Plenty of Plates (POP), a community meal hosted by volunteer teams who fund the event and prep, cook and serve 80 people a home-cooked, nutritious and delicious meal.
ABLF connects individuals in the kitchen, at the table and in the community. We exist at an intersection of everyday advocacy and culinary expertise. Taking action from a place of empathy, our programming initiatives champion training, education, environmental sustainability and practice inclusive hiring around food systems.
