Food insecurity isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Muskoka, but the reality is that around 1,000 children across Muskoka have little or no food each weekend.
“It’s a number that we always have in the back of our minds,” says Sarah Thatcher, Founder and Executive Director of Food4Kids Muskoka – an organization she runs with Communications Manager Kristie Shaver. That number, they note, is likely even higher this year in light of our current economic climate.
“A lot of families who previously didn’t need help now find themself in challenging situations, whether due to job loss, health struggles, or the rising cost of living.”
While food programs exist at school during the week, children don’t always have access to healthy fresh food at home.
Sarah has witnessed the impact of nutrition on the lives of children firsthand, working as a teacher. “I taught online through COVID and was disheartened by what I saw happening in the community. We often see Muskoka as the playground of the rich, but as I dug into the research, I realized how great the need was and how Food4Kids Muskoka could make a difference.”
“It wasn’t until Sarah and I first met to discuss Food4Kids that I recognized its power,” says Kristie. Ever since she’s managed each of the charity’s fundraising events and volunteer coordination. “I was immediately immersed in the program and have fallen in love with it.”
Teams of dedicated volunteers pack food bags on Wednesdays and volunteer drivers deliver food packages to schools every Thursday during the school year. During Food4Kids Muskoka’s first school year, 200 children received a package filled with 12 to 15 nutritious food items to keep them nourished through the weekend.
In September 2025, they are hoping to grow the program to feed 400 kids at 22 schools across the Muskoka region.
“Fresh food produces healthy minds,” says Kristie. “These small kindnesses can add up to big changes.”
Food4Kids Muskoka is a registered charity that relies on generous donations from caring community members. They accept online donations, and also fundraise through galas, like their Breakfast Gala held each November at Deerhurst Resort.
This summer, they will be holding a Feeding Futures Gala on July 7th at Crossroads Restaurant in Rosseau. Use the QR code to learn more and buy your tickets.
“The impact you’re making goes much deeper than providing a meal,” says Sarah. “These kids are the next generation of teachers, politicians and business owners.
“Helping now doesn’t mean helping forever, Food4Kids Muskoka exists to help families in their time of need. We’re happy when families exit the program because things have improved for them. It’s letting them know that they’re seen, and that a charity exists to help them with what they need to succeed at school and in life.
TEXT SHELANNE AUGUSTINE
PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
