It’s that time of year again, summer is almost a memory and children are heading back to school. Some students dread the first day of school, while others can’t wait for new adventures, and to see the friends they’ve missed. For over 130,000 Ontario children Link opens a new window back to school often comes as a welcome relief to the daily struggle of trying to find a healthy, nourishing breakfast.
The Ontario Association of Food Banks’ network includes 125 direct member food banks that support over 300 breakfast clubs across the province. These clubs ensure that students have access to a balanced breakfast to help them focus on school instead of their growling bellies. Many of our member food banks also offer additional support through lunch and snack programs, backpack programs, and helping children obtain back-to-school essentials such as binders, paper, and stationary.
The need for food support does not, however, stop with students under the age of 18. Post-secondary and recent university graduates are one of the fastest growing groups of food bank users across the province. With growing tuition rates, on campus living accommodations, and money for textbooks it’s no surprise the wallets of students are being stretched to the limits.
While our food banks work tirelessly to provide fresh, healthy food to Ontario’s students throughout the year, hungry students are a symptom of a much larger issue. It is a symptom of poverty in our communities, of high tuition fees, precarious employment, and of an economy based on growing debt.
This school year, we strongly encourage the Ontario government to take an active role in addressing the root causes of hunger and ask why so many students have no other choice but to go hungry each and every day.
To support your local food bank, please visit: oafb.ca Link opens a new window
By Mila Parthemos, Communications Intern at the Ontario Association of Food Banks