Every Breakfast Counts Provides 9,500 Meals to Local Children

The Every Breakfast Counts program in Sault Ste. Marie delivered a remarkable 9,500 free meals to children during the summer months. Established eight years ago, this initiative serves to bridge the gap created when school meal programs close for the season.

Nutritious meals, featuring fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, cheese, and bread, were distributed across 12 community sites. These locations included the City of Sault Ste. Marie’s outdoor pools, Child Care Algoma’s EarlyON Child and Family Centre, Sault Ste. Marie District Social Services Community Hubs, and the Indigenous Friendship Centre.

The success of the program relied heavily on local volunteers, who contributed approximately 70 hours per week to pack and assemble meals at Harvest Algoma. Volunteers from 11 organizations, including Algoma Family Services, Sault Area Hospital, and the Canadian Mental Health Association, played a crucial role in ensuring that meals reached children throughout the community.

“Volunteers are the backbone of this program,” said Mayor Matthew Shoemaker, speaking on behalf of the Every Breakfast Counts committee. “Their time and energy make it possible to prepare and deliver thousands of meals every summer. We are incredibly grateful to the individuals and organizations who step forward year after year to ensure children in our community are supported.”

As the program looks to sustain its operations in the future, the Every Breakfast Counts committee is actively seeking donations. Contributions can be made online through the Algoma Family Services Foundation website at afsfoundation.ca/donate, where donors can select “Every Breakfast Counts” from the dropdown menu under “fund.”

This initiative not only addresses food insecurity among local children but also fosters community spirit, showcasing the significant impact of volunteerism in Sault Ste. Marie. The program’s ongoing success highlights the commitment of residents and organizations to support the well-being of children during the summer months.