MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 24, 2018 /CNW/ - Each month, over 307,000 Canadian children turn to food banks in Canada for help. School breakfast, lunch and after school programs provide much needed support, but where do those children go in July and August?
Food Banks Canada is proud to announce its third annual After the Bell packing day to provide specially created food packs for children during the summer months when it's often needed most. On Tuesday, May 15 at the International Centre in Mississauga, 200+ corporate volunteers and Food Banks Canada employees will pack 20,000 food kits to be distributed to children in communities in need. In total, this year's national campaign will distribute 69,000 food packs across the country to kids in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and the Yukon.
"Summer hunger is a very real issue. Most children look forward to summer vacation as a time for fun and rest, but for those living with food insecurity, it can be a time of worry. After the Bell helps fill the gap during the summer months with nutritious food packs for hungry kids," says Chris Hatch, CEO of Food Banks Canada.
Packing Day is an excellent opportunity for corporations and organizations to engage their employees and educate them about food insecurity and child hunger in Canada.
"French's is proud to be able to support After the Bell financially, but more importantly, to also send a group of our team members to help assemble these critical packs. No child should ever go hungry, and it has given us immense pleasure to contribute to a program that gets food to children in need this summer," says Cheryl Radisa, Vice President of Marketing, McCormick Canada.
Each child who receives a pack will also receive a voucher for fresh food, to empower them to make healthy choices and to add even more nutritional value to their pack. This year's packs contain organic milk, shelf-stable hummus and crackers, cereal bars and cereal, applesauce and oatmeal.
Media is welcome at packing day. Opportunities will be available to speak with Food Banks Canada CEO Chris Hatch, to feature team packing demonstrations, and for media to participate.
Food Banks Canada is the only national charitable organization dedicated to helping Canadians living with hunger. It supports a network of 10 Provincial Associations and more than 500 food banks, sharing food and funds and delivering programs and services.
After the Bell is generously supported by The French's Food Company, The Global Food Banking Network, Hershey Canada Inc, Kellogg Canada Inc, Loblaw Companies Limited, and Organic Meadow Inc. Additional product donations have been provided by Clover Leaf Seafoods and Kellogg Canada Inc.
If you would like more information or to schedule an interview or onsite broadcast, please contact Brooke Wilkinson at 416-617-6545 or email at [email protected]
SOURCE Food Banks Canada
Media Contact: Brooke Wilkinson, 416-617-6545, [email protected]
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