Working Together To Eradicate Food Insecurity

On World Food Day, we would like to highlight the importance of universal access to healthy eating for children across the country.

Did you know that in elementary school, one in three students does not eat an adequate breakfast, and one in four skips breakfast altogether? In high school, the statistic of students who don’t eat breakfast is one in two! (Source: Statistics Canada)

These statistics arise from food insecurity caused by poverty, unhealthy eating habits, as well as stress and time constraints experienced by families. In consequence, this amplifies several social issues, including public health issues.

These statistics are likely to arise from food insecurity caused by poverty, unhealthy eating habits, as well as stress and time constraints experienced by families. In consequence, this amplifies multiple social issues, including public health issues. Food security is said to exist when “all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.” (Source: Proof Toronto)

The statistics are worrisome: one in six Canadian children faces food insecurity.

For these reasons, Breakfast Club of Canada works in conjunction with numerous partners and volunteers to feed and educate children, and their communities, in order to overcome youth hunger. In addition, the Club proudly supports the UN’s “Zero Hunger Challenge” to eradicate hunger and malnutrition in all forms by 2030.

However, in order to achieve our goal of feeding 1 million children every day, and ultimately providing a solution for all 15,000 schools across Canada, we need the support of all levels of government – municipal, provincial and federal.

Did you know that Canada is the only country in the G7 that does not offer a national feeding program in schools?

That’s why our ambitious goal is to build a partnership with the federal government by 2020 to eradicate this issue. We want to ensure that all Canadian children have access to a nutritious breakfast. Let’s take part in the Global Movement for #ZeroHunger!