By Elaine Della-Mattia for the Sault Star
Providing youngsters with a healthy meal helps with their growth and development.
The City of Sault Ste. Marie launched its annual Every Breakfast Counts program Tuesday with a new partner. Cobs Bakery will donate their end-of-day products towards the program.
The bakery will collaborate with Connect the Dots Community Harvest to deliver fresh bread to Harvest Algoma at the beginning of each week. “We are grateful for the generosity of the Cobs Bakery team. The donated bread will reduce costs for 2024 programming,” said Mayor Matthew Shoemaker. “With the support of Harvest Algoma and our partners, we will once again provide thousands of free meals to local youth throughout the summer.”
Every Breakfast Counts delivered about 7,700 meals to Sault Ste. Marie youngsters during the school summer break last year.
Over the eight-week period, from July to August, an average of 963 meals per week were distributed. With an extra drop off spot added this year – the public libraries – and additional need, it’s anticipated about 10,000 meals will be prepared this year.
David Thompson, of RAIN, said Harvest Algoma supplies the space and preparation space for the lunches and volunteers who pack and distribute them.
“This program relies on funding, so with the addition of the donation from Cobs Bakery, that means we can stretch the fundraised money a little further,” he said.
Meals, including fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese and bread, are distributed from 11 various locations across the city including the City of Sault Ste. Marie outdoor pools, the Child Care Algoma EarlyON Child and Family Centre and Sault Ste. Marie District Social Services Community Hubs. The program launched on Tuesday and runs for eight weeks.
The program began in 2018 by the Mayor’s Office due to the need and a way to address a service gap in the community. Since the launch, thousands of meals have been provided through the program.
The program replaces school-based breakfast programs, which ensure that youngsters have access to a healthy meal. Healthy eating habits significantly impact the achievement of optimal health, growth and intellectual development for youth.
“Every Breakfast Counts has had a profound impact on our community since it was launched, and I’m committed to ensuring its success moving forward,” Shoemaker said.
Donations to the program can be made through the Algoma Family Services Foundation.
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