No child should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. Yet for thousands of kids across British Columbia, food insecurity is a harsh reality—especially on weekends when school meal programs aren’t available. 

That’s why Saputo is proud to announce a new partnership with Backpack Buddies, a BC-based charity that delivers weekend meals to children in need. As part of the partnership, Saputo will donate $50,000 worth of its Milk2Go milk bottles each year for the next three years, helping to ensure kids have access to essential nutrients, even when school doors are closed.

The growing need for support

With the rising cost of living, one in eight families in British Columbia struggles with food insecurity. For many, school meals provide a crucial safety net—but that support disappears every Friday afternoon. Backpack Buddies fills the gap by delivering thousands of food bags each week filled with kid-approved, ready-to-eat meals and snacks that keep children nourished until Monday morning.

Real impact, real change

Backpack Buddies reaches over 6,100 kids across 73 communities and distributes more than 1.65 million meals annually. Working closely with teachers, schools, and community partners like Saputo, they make sure food gets directly into the hands of those who need it most. 

“At Saputo, we believe that healthy eating is the foundation for a brighter future,” said Stéphanie Roy, Senior Manager of Corporate Responsibility at Saputo. “We are excited to support Backpack Buddies in their mission to fight child hunger and ensure every child has the fuel they need to learn, play, and grow.”

Together, Saputo and Backpack Buddies are working towards a brighter, more hopeful future for children across British Columbia!