Save-On-Foods has launched a $1 million campaign to help give children in Western Canada better access to school meal supports during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Save-On-Foods has committed $500,000 towards the fundraising goal of $1 million.
It is estimated that one-in-five Canadian school-aged kids rely on school food programs, but with schools shutting their doors that means many children are left wondering where they will get their next meal from.
Schools, community groups, Save-On-Foods and it's partners are all working together to ensure vulnerable children can get the food and support they need.
Save-On-Foods has participated in The Grocery Foundation's Toonies for Tummies program for the last three years, providing more than 250,000 meals to kids at schools delivered through programs by the Breakfast Club of Canada.
This was made possible with Save-On-Foods donations along with customer donations.
Now customers can choose to donate $2 or '500 More Rewards points' at the check-out of any Save-On-Foods, PriceSmart Foods or Urban Fare locations.
The company will then match up to a total of $500,000.
Donations can also be made online through Breakfast Club of Canada, Backpack Buddies and iCan for Kids.
All funds raised will go towards the Breakfast Club of Canada which feeds more than 243,500 kids and youth in 1,809 Canadian schools each year.
The club distributes these funds to schools, community organizations and other mobilized partners that deliver food supports to children.
All funds raised locally will remain local, meaning each community will be directly helping children in their areas.
“As we ramp up efforts to support an increasing number of Canadian families facing food insecurity, this generous commitment to raise $1 million is a timely blessing” says Breakfast Club of Canada president and founder Daniel Germain.
“We are grateful for the continued support from Save-On-Foods, and we look forward to supporting their efforts to accelerate true community partnerships to solve this problem. We are proud that we have been entrusted with ensuring these funds and resources are put to their best and highest use.”
As requests for support grows, Save-On-Foods has partnered with organizations known for their delivery practices to provide support to children across B.C. all year long, creating a sustainable solution.
Aside from the Breakfast Club of Canada, partners include Food Banks BC, Backpack Buddies, iCan for Kids in Calgary, BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation, The Grocery Foundation and Food Mesh.
“We know that kids need nutritious meals and we are absolutely committed to helping these organizations continue their critical mission despite school closures," says Save-On-Foods president Darrell Jones.
"The work our community partners do to feed young Canadians is so important. We are grateful to Breakfast Club of Canada and our other partners who have joined forces with us to support our schools and students. I know our customers share our commitment to our communities and will blow us away with their generosity.”
