We arrived at one of our member agency breakfast clubs on a cold morning just after 7:30am. In the gym, benches and tables with plastic tablecloths were set up, and backpacks were strewn on the floor. On the buffet table, there were trays of homemade veggie pizzas on English muffins, veggie and cheese wraps and grilled cheese sandwiches. There were two kinds of cut fruit, cups of chocolate milk, and cold cereals.
The kids are greeted by name, laughing and joking with their friends as make their way through the line. They finish their food then head off to the homework club held in the library.
At this school, the breakfast program provides up to 40 kids a healthy breakfast 5 days a week. But, thanks to people like you, the help doesn’t end there. The school also has a supply of healthy snacks and juices on hand for students who don’t have a lunch either.
The Vice Principal who organizes the program said, “Kids are coming to school without anything to eat, so the food from you is crucial. We couldn’t afford to offer so much to them without the supplies we get from the food bank.”
We all know that poverty in Mississauga is a complex, far-reaching problem. But when it comes right down to it, many children just don’t have enough to eat. With 15% of Mississauga’s population living in poverty, it’s no wonder kids are arriving at school with empty tummies. But this is a struggle no child should have.
You can ensure kids in our community have the healthy food they need to fuel their day by donating to the Rise & Shine Kids Campaign today.
