Elk Valley Resources and the Fernie Food Security Society have announced a $450,000 partnership to support local children and families experiencing food insecurity.
The three-year donation from EVR will support the Fernie Food Security Society’s Full Bellies, Full Hearts campaign, helping sustain and expand programs that provide food assistance throughout the year. These include school-break food support, a weekly backpack program, community outreach and emergency food assistance.
The Fernie Food Security Society currently supports more than 145 children in the Fernie area through these programs.
“The Fernie Food Security Society is delivering meaningful support for local children and families and creating lasting positive outcomes,” said Mike Carrucan, CEO of EVR. “We are proud to support their work to build a strong and resilient community by ensuring children have access to the nutritious food they need.”
The society’s latest intake survey found that 90 per cent of recipients worry about running out of food before they can afford more. Among people who used Fernie Food Security Society services during the past year, 69 per cent said they were better able to stretch their grocery budget, 63 per cent experienced less stress, 61 per cent gained access to healthier food and 53 per cent reported improved household wellbeing.
“Demand for food support continues to grow, and this commitment from EVR will help ensure that children and families in our community can access healthy food when they need it most,” said Melanie Jeannotte of the Fernie Food Security Society.
“The Full Bellies, Full Hearts program is about more than food—it’s about reducing stress, supporting wellbeing and giving children the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed. We are incredibly grateful for EVR’s partnership and commitment to our community.”
The Fernie Food Security Society works closely with local schools, teachers, counsellors and community support workers to identify and support children experiencing food insecurity, ensuring assistance is provided in a dignified and accessible way.
The Full Bellies, Full Hearts summer fundraising campaign is now underway, raising money to help local children and families access nutritious food through food bins and grocery cards while school-based food programs are on break.
Donations can be made at ferniefoodsecuritysociety.com/donations.
Founded in June 2025, the Fernie Food Security Society was created in response to an urgent need for food access for school-aged children during school breaks. The non-profit organization is operated by a working board, community parents and volunteers.
Elk Valley Resources operates four steelmaking coal mines in the Elk Valley and provides employment for approximately 5,500 people. EVR is part of the Glencore Group.
Photo: From left, Jen Riddell of FFSS; Jill Salus, EVR director of community and Indigenous affairs; Melanie Jeannotte of FFSS; EVR CEO Mike Carrucan; and Mark Elson of FFSS.
Photo credit: EVR/Vince Mo
