EDITOR'S NOTE: This article originally appeared February 6, 2024.
The amount of children relying on Food4Kids Halton’s services is increasing, and so are food prices.
In 2023 the organization, which provides food packages for kids at school to take home to their families, had 1,151 kids enrolled. That number was more than 1,200 in 2024. It’s a problem that is continuing to grow, executive director Jennifer Sully-Ferraro said.
“Today we are serving more than 1,200 children at 118 schools every weekend, we are living in uncertain times,” she said at Hood4Kids Halton’s annual general meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 4. “No doubt many of us are feeling anxiety and stress due to the trade war with our neighbours to the south.”
Sully-Ferarro joined Food4Kids Halton in June, adding more than 2 million Canadians required the use of a food bank in 2024, and one-third of those were children.
Speeches were kept short, though the executive director wrapped up with some words from families who have relied on Food4Kids Halton.
“One parent shared ‘it has been a year of ups and downs due to leaving the abusive relationship I was in,’” Sully-Ferraro said. “‘The food bags and gift cards really helped out, and I cannot thank you enough. The small act of kindness your organization has shown me has given me hope that there are still kindhearted people in the world.’”
Outside of updates, the AGM is a chance for Food4Kids Halton to celebrate the work done in the last year.
The organization welcomed four youngsters from Georgetown. Kylie and Liam McCrrae, and Payton and Grayson Dunne have been organizing a lemonade stand for four years, and raised $4,000 for Food4Kids Halton.
“This money has directly helped to feed children in our community,” Terri-Lynn Pickerin, Food4Kids Halton board chair said. “Not only have they shown tremendous heart, but each year they have surpassed the amount raised the previous year, demonstrating their dedication to making a real difference on behalf of Food4Kids Halton.”
Each of the four students were presented with a framed certificate, as were other award winners for individual impact, and appreciated vendors.