Every Step Counts: How Runners Are Fueling a Fresh Start for Families in Surrey

When Anna and her family moved to Canada from Brazil, they were excited for a new beginning — but the early months were harder than they expected. “In the beginning, it was a real struggle to find work and adjust to life in a new country,” she says. “We faced many challenges, especially around food. We were a bit lost until we heard about the food bank from my cousin and some friends.”

Six months later, she visited the Surrey Food Bank for the first time. The experience changed everything.

“It was such a huge help to us then, and sometimes it still is,” she explains. “I can’t work full-time while studying, and rent is so expensive. Having the food bank to help fills an important gap.”

For Anna, that support means her family has what they need to stay steady and move forward.
“It changes everything,” she says. “Some weeks I have more work and can buy everything we need. Other weeks, when I have fewer hours, the food bank helps make sure there’s enough for all of us. It reduces stress and helps us focus on other expenses.”

What surprised her most wasn’t the food, but the feeling.

“The staff are always welcoming and respectful,” she says. “Coming to the food bank can take a weight off your shoulders. You’ll leave feeling cared about.”

Stories like Anna’s are why so many runners choose to support the Surrey Food Bank through the BMO Vancouver Marathon. While race day is still months away, the impact begins long before the starting line. As soon as runners register and begin sharing their fundraising pages, they’re already helping families who rely on the Food Bank for stability during uncertain times.

More than 20,000 neighbours across Surrey and North Delta depend on this support every month. Many are new to Canada, like Anna. Others are students, seniors, parents, or people working multiple jobs to keep up with rising costs. What they all share is a need for a dependable place to turn when finances tighten.

When someone runs for Surrey Food Bank, they’re helping ensure that support remains strong. Every kilometre logged, every fundraising update, every conversation about why they run spreads awareness and brings in the resources needed to keep good food flowing to local families.

Anna hopes others who need help won’t hesitate to come.

“Don’t be nervous or embarrassed,” she says. “We all go through different stages in life, and needing help doesn’t mean you’ve failed. The staff make you feel comfortable from the start.”

This is what Surrey Food Bank runs for: dignity, nourishment, and a community where everyone feels they belong.

Join us. Register to run for Surrey Food Bank at the 2026 BMO Vancouver Marathon and start making an impact today — because every step counts, long before race day.