For the more than 300,000 Canadian children who are helped by food banks each month, school-based breakfast, lunch, and after-school programs are important sources of food. But when schools close their doors for the summer, these programs close too, leaving hungry kids with few options.

That’s where Food Banks Canada’s After the Bell program comes in. We work with corporate partners to share packs of non-perishable, child-friendly foods with kids across the country in July and August. Food banks that distribute the packs also receive grants to supplement them with perishable foods like cheese, fruit, and vegetables.

Program coordinators report that the smiles of relief and delight on the children’s faces when they open their packs is incredible to see — the kids are so happy to receive food that many of us take for granted.

This important program is possible only through the generous contributions of our corporate partners, who support After the Bell with donations of food, funds, in-kind supports and services — as well as teams of engaged employee volunteers.

On May 14 and 15 of this year, with over 900 volunteers from 33 companies pitched in for high-energy, fun-filled, and inspiring days. Thanks to their hard work, they helped more kids to play, swim, and dream this summer — and helped us make this the largest and most successful After the Bell program ever! This summer, we’ll be able to distribute 100,000 food packs to children in over 58 communities across the country.

On behalf of the many thousands of children who will benefit from nutritious, delicious food this summer, we’d like to extend our gratitude to our corporate partners for their generous donations, the International Centre for donating the space for this huge event, and the corporate volunteers who rolled up their sleeves over the two-day packing event in the greater Toronto area.

Thank you for helping more kids enjoy their best summer ever!

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