Why Do We Exist?

Many children go to school unprepared to learn. They have not had the right nourishment, which makes it difficult to focus. Numerous studies have shown that children who are hungry do not perform as well as others in school. Our programs help children reach their potential.

We support vulnerable children and youth by:

• Applying for grants on behalf of student nutrition programs
• Ensuring criteria and reporting requirements for grants are fulfilled as programs are delivered
• Assisting individual programs with their local fundraising efforts
• Recruiting and training volunteers to ensure appropriate food menu planning and safe food handling
• Providing continuity and assistance in the administration of programs
• Organizing forums to promote best practices to enable continuous improvement
• Maintaining quality assurance regarding guidelines and standards recommended by the ministry and national charities that provide funding for school-based nutrition programs

How we make a difference:

• Provide children and youth with a positive start to the day
• Improve their learning abilities
• Decrease disruptive behaviours in the classroom
• Encourage positive social skills
• Teach children and youth healthy eating habits

 Donate to Food & Friends

107 Student Nutrition Programs provided over 47,000 students access to nutritious meals while at school.

We provided over 2,350,000 meals to local students, ensuring they weren't learning on an empty stomach.

A healthy Food & Friends provided meal can cost up to $3.40 compared to $1.85 before the COVID-19 pandemic.

_{Funded in part by the Ministry of Children,
Community and Social Services.}