Food insecurity continues to affect 1,000 kids living across Muskoka. Food4Kids Muskoka provides weekend food packages to help address the 48-hour gap in services provided to kids and youth.
“It’s a number always 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. “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 during school hours, children don’t always have access to healthy fresh food at home.
With a dedicated team of volunteers, Food4Kids Muskoka is feeding 325 children each week. They pack and deliver food bags to schools every Thursday during the school year. The bags are then slipped into the recipients’ backpacks to bring home to their families.
Summers without hunger
While each child receives a package filled with 12 to 15 nutritious food items to keep them nourished through the weekend, Food4Kids understands that this poses a challenge for kids once school ends for summer.
“That’s why we provide each child with grocery gift cards to use to fill their fridges through the summer, and partner with local charitable organizations like MindAid and agencies like the OPP that can help identify and deliver food bags and snacks to families in need,” says Kristie. “We know that fresh food produces healthy minds and these small kindnesses can add up to big changes in the lives of these children and their families.”
One great galaAs a registered charity, Food4Kids Muskoka relies on generous donations from caring community members. They accept online donations and fundraise through events like their recent Feeding Futures Summer Gala held on July 7, which raised over $200,000 in generous donations.
“We’re so grateful for the contributions and support,” says Sarah, adding that these funds will help them push forward to their goal of expanding their program to reach all 1,000 kids who have limited to no access to food each weekend.
Growth on the horizonTo accomplish their mission, the duo says they’ll have to expand beyond their current 400-sq-ft warehouse. They are currently looking to find a space that is around 2500 sq-ft, which will allow them to be better equipped to meet the needs of local families more adequately.
“Kids who are fed come to school ready to learn and thrive in the community,” says Sarah. “Help us meet the needs of hungry kids, one food package at a time.”
TEXT SHELANNE AUGUSTINE
PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
