The Budzey
Food insecurity makes it nearly impossible to break the cycle of poverty. That’s why we focus on giving the next generation a positive relationship with food, starting with our Youth & Family Meal Program—providing 150 meals every day to the women and children at the Budzey Building which houses women-led families in Downtown Eastside.
Raising kids is tough—doing it in the Downtown Eastside is even harder. Our meal program isn’t just about sustenance; it’s about stability, resilience, and fostering a positive relationship with food. Along with providing nutritious meals, we integrate food literacy—helping families build confidence in cooking, nutrition, and meal planning. By ensuring access to healthy food and the knowledge to make the most of it, we empower parents to focus on thriving, not just surviving, even in an environment where resources are scarce.
Research shows that food security leads to better academic performance, attendance, and long-term health. Youth with reliable access to nutritious meals are more likely to succeed in school, gain meaningful employment, and experience improved mental well-being.
Food is more than fuel—it’s a foundation for a stronger, healthier future. Providing meals is just the start. To build real food security, we need to get upstream of the issue and invest in long-term solutions that empower families and break the cycle of poverty.
Chef Camp
We do more than provide meals—we invite neighbourhood youth into our kitchen to learn, cook, and build confidence. Our food literacy classes introduce new ingredients, teach essential cooking skills, and foster a positive, hands-on relationship with food.
Cooking is more than just a skill—it’s independence, health, and a pathway to self-sufficiency. Studies show that kids who learn to cook develop better eating habits, leading to healthier choices into adulthood. In BC, where 22% of children face food insecurity, these skills can change lives.
Many youth in our community rely on instant noodles and canned goods, not because they aren’t cared for, but because the resources and confidence to cook aren’t there. In our kitchen, they get to play, learn, and taste their way toward a healthier future.
Student Plenty of Plates
At A Better Life Foundation, Student Plenty of Plates offers young people a hands-on opportunity to engage with food
security, social justice, and the power of a shared meal. Designed specifically for school groups, this program follows the Plenty of Plates model but adapts it into a lunch service, allowing students to prepare and serve a two-course meal for marginalized guests in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Through guided discussions and real-world engagement, students explore themes of bias, stigma, and the social impact of food, fostering critical thinking and compassion.
The impact of Student Plenty of Plates extends far beyond a single meal. By integrating experiential learning with direct service, we help shape a generation that sees community differently—one that values empathy over assumption. As one student shared, “I was in a bad mood today, but helping others made it better. I know now that I can brighten someone’s day, and that feels amazing.” These moments of realization create lasting social change, ensuring that young people carry forward a more compassionate perspective into
their future communities.
Young minds are impressionable, open, and eager to learn, making this experience particularly transformative. Pre-trip reflections often reveal students’ nervousness or preconceived ideas about the people they’ll meet—many express fears about safety or uncertainty about how guests will react. However, post-trip reflections consistently highlight a profound shift in perception. Students leave with a deeper understanding of privilege, kindness, and human connection—learning that the individuals they served are not defined by their circumstances but by their warmth, gratitude, and resilience.
