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ON BEHALF OF KIDS, THANK YOU!

Thanks to caring people like you, kids will have access to the nutritious food they need to stay strong, all summer long.

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Kids and their families are already facing food insecurity at the highest levels we’ve seen in our recent history. And when schools close for the summer, this also means the end of critical school meal programs that many families rely on.

But with your help, we can make sure kids have access to the nutritious food they need to focus on a summer full of play, laughter, and happy memories instead of worrying about hunger.

TOGETHER, WE’LL BE THERE FOR KIDS
ACROSS CANADA.

Your support makes programs like After the Bell possible. Thanks to donor generosity we’ve been able to reach more children each year from 130,000 packs in 162 communities in 2020 to 215,000 packs in 235 communities this year. Together, we’re getting healthy, nutritious food to children across Canada when they need it most.

Click on each province or territory below to read more about the impact After the Bell program had on local communities last year.

Alberta

After the Bell food packs delivered to 18 communities.

Our hearts were touched by two brothers that were newcomers to Canada. They were very excited to receive the After the Bell packs for the first time, and it was a joy to see them come back each week, full of anticipation and excitement to be getting more packs just for them. We find children “break the ice” often, and their excitement is contagious, lending to our ability to connect to the parents as well. In addition to providing emergency food supports and the After the Bell packs, this particular family also took advantage of our Client Advocacy and Resource Room, and built other connections valuable to them as they settled into the community.

– Lethbridge Food Bank Society, Lethbridge, AB

British Columbia

After the Bell food packs delivered to 29 communities.

“Honestly, there are two huge benefits to the After the Bell bags, the first is my relief in both the cost of purchasing food items and the expense of driving to get food items, as we live quite remotely. The second biggest benefit about the After the Bell bags was that it made the kids so happy! They love the variety of healthy, nourishing food. They are old enough to eat it in the car, and the packaging made it easy for them to enjoy them without making a mess. Full tummies and a tidy car, that makes for a peaceful day. I’m very grateful, especially for the full tummies! Thank you!!!”

– Slocan Valley Food Cupboard, Slocan, BC

Manitoba

After the Bell food packs delivered to 12 communities.

“The After the Bell program continues to alleviate some of the stress on these families, food support means not having to choose between buying groceries and paying the bills. Having this support helps both the physical and mental health of the recipients.”

~ Harvest Manitoba

New Brunswick

After the Bell food packs delivered to 21 communities.

At the very beginning of the summer I had a mom new to the area almost in tears when she saw the extra bag going out with her food box. I had a paper with all the dates they could be picked up all summer and she was so thankful she could come back. She was having an extra hard time right then and she was thankful we were there to help her daughter. She never missed a Thursday all summer.

– Chipman Community Care Inc., Chipman, NB

Newfoundland & Labrador

After the Bell food packs delivered to 9 communities.

I was buying groceries on the weekend this summer when a young mother and her two children approached me. “Are you the Executive Director at Bridges to Hope Food Aid Centre”? “Yes, I am”, I replied. “I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the After the Bell packs we have been getting this summer. They have saved me so much money, not to mention the relief and peace of mind.”

– Bridges to Hope, St. John’s, NL

Territories

After the Bell food packs delivered to 8 communities.

“The After the Bell packs provided children with treats and fresh food that they have not otherwise have received. They were very appreciative to receive them.”

~ Salvation Army NWT Resource Center

Nova Scotia

After the Bell food packs delivered to 52 communities.

The After The Bell Program is a well established program and our member agencies are excited to see year after year how the food packs products continues to provide healthy and fun choices for kids. The relieve for families always brings a smile to staff and volunteers.

– Feed Nova Scotia, Dartmouth, NS

Territories

After the Bell food packs delivered to 8 communities.

“The After the Bell packs provided children with treats and fresh food that they have not otherwise have received. They were very appreciative to receive them.”

~ Salvation Army NWT Resource Center

Ontario

After the Bell food packs delivered to 34 communities.

A parent called HFS to indicate that the ATB packs were the only way she was able to have her 2 children attend a day camp, as lunches had to be brought, and kids without food were sent home and not able to participate. Having peace of mind knowing her kids could experience summer camps, be social and active with peers, and not have the fear they would be sent home provided her with comfort and dignity.

– Greater Hamilton Food Share, Hamilton, ON

Prince Edward Island

After the Bell food packs delivered to 6 communities.

Our Island children need nutritious food to sustain them throughout the summer months. When school ends in June, many Island families struggle to keep up with grocery costs and that means families spending money on snacks that are less expensive but also less nutritious. After The Bell is an invaluable program in Prince Edward Island food banks. It has allowed many Island children to eat nutritious snacks during the summer months they otherwise may not have access too. Our children are the future of our Island. Providing quality nutrition feeds their bodies, minds and souls and gives them a better chance at a successful future.

– Upper Room, Charlottetown, PEI

Quebec

After the Bell food packs delivered to 11 communities.

Marie, is a very expressive 10-year-old child. This is the second year she has received After the Bell bags. When she received her first bag this summer, she jumped with joy and said, “I was so excited to get my bag! It’s my bag!” and excitedly exclaimed, “We have mini pineapples, they’re so cool!”

– Moisson Quebec, Quebec City, QC

Saskatchewan

After the Bell food packs delivered to 15 communities.

When dropping off a pack at the day camps, we had one parent send us a message afterwards to say thank you for giving the packs to the children as their child was so excited to receive a pack full of snacks. It also gave her relief that her child had something healthy to eat and could have access to a snack whenever she may need it.

– Melfort Food Bank, Moosomin, SK

Territories

After the Bell food packs delivered to 8 communities.

“The After the Bell packs provided children with treats and fresh food that they have not otherwise have received. They were very appreciative to receive them.”

~ Salvation Army NWT Resource Center

NL BC NS QC ON YT NT NU PEI NB MB SK AB

MORE FAMILIES THAN EVER ARE AT RISK OF FOOD INSECURITY.

1 in 3 food bank users are children.

681,450 food bank visits by kids in March 2024 – over 300,000 more than 5 years ago.

55%
of households with kids had difficulty meeting their basic needs.

Source: HungerCount 2024, StatsCanada

THANKS TO YOU, KIDS WILL HAVE ACCESS
TO NUTRITIOUS FOOD THIS SUMMER.

Your generosity in action:

215,000
kid-friendly food
packs provided.

Filled with nutritious foods like milk, fruit snacks, crackers, cereal, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Reaching kids in
235 communities
across Canada.

This summer, your support will keep kids running, playing, exploring,
and growing strong!

DONATE NOW

WORDS OF THANKS FROM FAMILIES AND FOOD BANKS.

“A father arrived in the country 3 weeks ago with his two children, aged 7 and 9. When his daughter opened the After the Bell bag, she clapped and turned to her father to show him her joy. Even with the language barrier, her emotion was palpable. She had snacks JUST for her. She even clutched the bag to her heart.”

~Moisson Québec, QC

“One of our camp leaders shared how a brother and sister were very excited to receive their packs, because they didn’t have food at home. It brought tears to our camp leaders’ eyes. Thank you!”

~Bonnyville Canadian Native Friendship Centre, AB

“A single mom and her three sons live close to our food bank. Each week it was a special event for the three of them to pick up their own packs. They would come running across the field to see who could get there first. They were thrilled to see what was in their packs. Their mom was very appreciative. Three growing boys are hard to fill on a fixed income.”

~House of Lazarus Matilda Resource Centre Inc, ON

Why Food Banks Canada?

Food Banks Canada is the leader in addressing food insecurity in Canada. Our mission is to provide national leadership to relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow in collaboration with the food bank network from coast to coast. For over 40 years, food banks have been dedicated to helping people living in Canada living with food insecurity. Over 5,500 food banks and community organizations come together to serve our most vulnerable neighbours, who – this year – made over 2 million visits to these organizations in one month alone, according to our Hunger Count report. Since 2010, Food Banks Canada has shared over $829 million in food supports and over $245 million in funding to help maximize collective impact and strengthen local capacity – while, backed by leading research, advocating for meaningful actions from governments to counter hunger and its root causes. Our vision is clear: create a Canada where no one goes hungry.

foodbankscanada.ca/about-us/annual-reports