Hot Chocolate Festival is back again in 2026 with love for Fresh to Families
This year, the Hot Chocolate Festival is once again recognizing Fresh to Families as a charity partner — supporting a program that brings dignity, access to local food, and community care together in a way that truly works.
Fresh to Families is a Vancouver Farmers Markets program that connects families facing food insecurity with fresh, local, culturally appropriate food, while ensuring that every dollar raised stays in the local food economy — supporting BC farmers and small food producers.
It’s a simple idea with a powerful impact.
How Fresh to Families works
Through community fundraising, Fresh to Families provides families with Farmers Market Nutrition Coupons, which can be used exclusively at BC farmers markets.
Families shop with dignity — choosing the foods that nourish them most, from fresh fruits and vegetables to eggs, honey, meat, dairy, and herbs. Every coupon redeemed goes directly to local farmers and producers, strengthening our regional food system.
For families, this means access to healthy, nourishing food. For farmers, it means reliable income and a more resilient local food system.
Why this partnership matters
As the cost of living continues to rise, many families are struggling to afford fresh, nutritious food — while small-scale farmers face increasing financial pressure across the supply chain. Fresh to Families bridges that gap. It’s an equity-centred, community-powered solution that supports families and farmers at the same time, keeping food dollars local and strengthening connections across our city.
By recognizing Fresh to Families as a charity partner, the Hot Chocolate Festival is helping turn small moments of joy into meaningful, lasting impact for the community.
How you can be part of it
You can support Fresh to Families during the festival by visiting the Hot Chocolate Festival vendors and enjoy just the right beverage for this season – a hot chocolate!
You could also consider:
- Making a direct donation
- Spreading the word about the program and encouraging friends, family, or coworkers to get involved
Every contribution — big or small — helps families access fresh local food and supports the farmers who grow it.
Here’s what your support can do:
- $30 → Brings one family to the market once
- $120 → Supports one family for a month
- $450 → Supports one family for a full market season
- $900 → Supports two families for a season
All donations over $20 receive a charitable tax receipt through Vancity Foundation.
Hot Chocolate Festival is a sweet way to give back
The Hot Chocolate Festival celebrates warmth, creativity, and community — and through this partnership, it’s also helping nourish families and sustain local food systems across BC.
Together, we’re showing what community-powered food security can look like — one cup, one market visit, and one family at a time.
Support Fresh to Families:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/fresh-to-families-program
