About Us

THE UNION PROTEIN PROJECT IS A NON-PROFIT SOCIETY STARTED IN 2006 BY UNIONS AND THE UNITED WAY WHO SAW A WAY TO MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

FOOD FOR FOOD BANKS

The Union Protein Project helps food banks by subsidizing shelf stable protein-based foods so food banks can save precious money and maximize their purchasing power.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Each year, The Union Protein Project hosts several forums to bring together those using food banks, union volunteers, and service providers for a community event. The forums are an important part of our outreach and are about connecting people with solutions and sharing food and music together.

For more new and information, check out our Community Forum page or “Like” our The Union Protein Project Facebook page.

Why Protein?

Food banks in BC regularly experience shortages of protein-based food and struggle to ensure that vulnerable people get this key nourishment. Important dietary protein is found in such foods as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products.

Many families are struggling to provide the nourishment that is essential for their health, and children make up over 45% of people relying on BC food banks. Protein is important food for brain and muscle development and is an essential part of the nutrition that we all need.

PROTEIN IS CRITICAL AND EXPENSIVE

Protein-based foods are essential for nutrition and are more expensive, Food banks often spend most of their financial donations buying protein-based foods (word smith to add these two together) there are fewer donations of this food source.

Protein for People has helped food banks through direct donations of protein-based food and has helped food banks to get better volume based-prices which means food banks can save precious money and maximize their purchasing power.

WORKING TOGETHER TO PROVIDE SOLUTIONS

A growing number of vulnerable people have lost jobs or work several low-paying jobs and are forced to turn to food banks to feed their families. Our economy is failing them and the recession has made the impact even greater. People forced to use food banks also include workers with very low wages, those with jobs that have been cut to part-time, those working multiple part-time jobs to pay the rent, and vulnerable people who have lose their jobs.

Unions in BC are working together to provide solutions. Each year Protein for People hosts several forum that brings together those using food banks, union volunteers, and service providers for a community fair. The forums are an important part of the outreach and are about connecting people with solutions and sharing food and music together.

FAMILIES AND CHILDREN AT RISK

Families have been hit hard by the recession and job losses and shrinking pay checks are having an impact as vulnerable people struggle to make ends meet. Children make up over 35% of people relying on BC food banks.

Protein is critical to a healthy diet and crucial for a mental and physical development, but also a lack of protein makes it even harder for vulnerable people to improve their lives.