No parent wants their child to go to bed hungry at night! However, 1 in 6 children go to school without breakfast and 1 in 3 children suffer from food insecurity in Canada. Shocking, isn’t it? In the 12th edition of Canada’s Food Price Report, it was projected that food prices in Canada would rise by 5% to 7% in 2022 which means a family of 4 members would expect their grocery bill to increase by $966!
The increasing rate of child food insecurity is alarming as it correlates with a lowered immune system, hindered physical development, and reduced cognitive ability. Some studies have also found how food insecurity among children has led to chronic medical conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
About a third of Canadians who rely on food banks- are children! More than 300,000 meals are fed with the help of food banks working in Canada. Sai Dham Food Bank is a nonprofit Foodbank that operates 7 days a week and has lines open 24 hours a day.
There are children from low socio-economic backgrounds who don’t get a chance to thrive at school and have a long-lasting impact on the country’s economy. When a child is not hungry they are able to concentrate better and are more focused and engaged in school. In Children Breakfast Program, we work with Catholic & Public Schools and social workers in the area of Mississauga and Brampton to support 1000+ children every month.
Canada ranks 37 on the list of countries working towards Zero Hunger goals for children. It is the only nation without a national school meal program in the group of the world’s advanced economies. Despite this, Canada has commendable support from food banks that are executing nutritious school breakfast programs for children.
Help us to continue supporting children with nutritious meals. Your generous donation will make a difference.
If you are from school management and have identified food insecurity amongst children at your school feel free to write to us at info@saidhamfoodbank.com and our team will get in touch with you.