We're about kids

OUR BIG WHY

A 10-year-old boy waited outside the locked doors of a school breakfast program.

The program was to start at 8:15 and the child stood outside at 7:15 in the dark, in the cold and alone.

He explained he had not had any food on the weekend and was hungry. Could he please have some food?

This child inspired the launch of the Food4Kids program.

"He arrived at school each day with just one piece of white bread that was moldy."

The reality of child hunger became clear through this experience. A steering committee was formed in October 2022 to determine the need and scope of developing a weekend feeding program for at-risk children within Muskoka

We follow a strong program model that is located in 5 other regions. This program model was developed with a focus on 3 distinct areas:

1. Food provided in food packages would be healthy

2. Each child in the home would receive their own food package, to ensure the nourishment of all children in the home

3. To ensure a non-stigmatizing process to distribute food packages to participants

We need your support to ensure funds and volunteers are available to meet the needs of our community.

TESTIMONIALS

"We were homeless. I called Food4Kids. They helped us immediately with food."

"I never thought our family would depend on others for food.

With a medical problem, I had no choice but to quit work. As a single parent raising 2 great kids, there is barely enough money for rent, little money for food and absolutely no money for extras. When the school asked if I would like to involve my kids in the Food4Kids program, all I could do was cry.

Knowing my children have food brings comfort. The fresh fruits, soups and healthy snacks are appreciated. Thank you for this service. The volunteers at Food4Kids are angels."

"I grew up in a family where you take care of your own.

After my marriage broke up, I had $50 for food for me and my two kids. I would not go to the food bank because I worked when they were open. We just survived.

Then the school let me know about Food4Kids.

My kids are happier, miss less school and are not sick all the time. It is fun when they come home from school on Friday so excited about what food they will have. Parents like me need this help."