The Stone Soup project is born out of compassion for those who are struggling with food insecurity in Vancouver. In recent years, this issue has become more pressing than ever, as many families are forced to make difficult decisions about how to allocate their limited resources. The cost of living in Vancouver continues to soar, with the price of groceries increasing steadily due to inflation. Meanwhile, housing costs have reached unaffordable levels for many, as rent rose by 8.6% in 2023 alone.  This has left many people, even those who are working, unable to cover both rent and food costs.

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In Vancouver, the effects of this crisis are devastating. The Greater Vancouver Food Bank has seen a 29% increase in usage over the past year​.  Every month, approximately 14,000 people depend on the food bank for essential nutrition, and many of them are families with children. The food bank’s resources are stretched thin, with volunteers and staff doing their best to meet the needs of the community, but the demand continues to outpace supply. This growing reliance on food banks reflects the harsh reality that so many people are facing — the inability to afford the basics that sustain life.

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For the people who walk through the doors of a food bank, it can be a challenging time, as many are turning to this resource for the first time. The reality of not being able to afford basic necessities like food comes as a result of broader issues, such as rising costs, low wages, and an insufficient social safety net. Food insecurity is affecting more people each day, and many who once felt stable now find themselves struggling to keep up​.  It's a reflection of the widespread impact of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

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The Stone Soup project is a hopeful response to this growing crisis. By donating a portion of proceeds to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, it will directly support those in need. It’s a way for the community to come together and help those who are struggling. More than just a cookbook, this project is a testament to the power of food to bring people together — not just to share meals, but to lift one another up in times of need. It’s a reminder that when we come together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.