by Greg McGrath-Goudie, Sootoday
When school’s out for summer, some local youth lose access to nutrition programs they rely on for healthy food.
Harvest Algoma’s Every Breakfast Counts program aims to maintain that access throughout the summer months – giving out vegetables, a sandwich, a drink, and other similar fare at numerous locations throughout the city.
Running since 2018, this summer’s eight-week program kicked off July 2, with the goal of distributing 1,250 meals per week – a total of 10,000 meals through the summer, and a 30-per-cent increase over last year’s numbers.
“With this program, we’re reaching more kids across the city, and expanding on the program allows us to do that,” said Harvest Algoma’s David Thompson.
“This is definitely a measure that can fill a gap in the community.”
Today’s fare includes a ham and swiss sandwich, applesauce, cookies, and a chocolate milk. Meals can be found in a variety of places:
- The city’s outdoor pools;
- Child Care Algoma EarlyON Child and Family Centre;
- Sault Ste. Marie District Social Services Community Hubs; and
- The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library
With food insecurity a pressing issue in many Algoma households, Harvest Algoma has seen that need translate to demand at its doors and in the community.
“The need is great,” he said.
“Just looking at our numbers over this past year, it’s been a significant increase – we’ve seen headlines in the news around increasing food insecurity because of the cost of living going up and cost of housing.”
Numerous volunteers come together to bring the Every Breakfast Counts program to the community, including volunteers from Algoma Family Services, Sault Area Hospital, CMHA Algoma, the City of Sault Ste. Marie, and many more.
Those who wish to support the program can do so here.
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