Food insecurity results not only in hunger, but also the stigma and shame often associated with perceived poverty. Many people won’t access the services they need for fear of judgement and ridicule. This can be especially true in school food programs, where it’s sometimes obvious who needs help and who does not. According to one Grade 9 student in Waterloo Region, “I was hesitant to use the school food program because I was embarrassed that I never have a lunch.”
For close to 30 years, Nutrition for Learning has ensured that children in schools in Waterloo Region have access to the nutritious food they need to reach their full potential. More than that, they have also built student engagement and community by creating inclusive spaces where no young person feels stigmatized for accessing food at school. There is no registration required – any student who is hungry can access the food program.
According to Feed Ontario, Waterloo Region has some of the highest rates of food bank usage in Southern Ontario. “While Food Bank data tells us that 1 in 8 households are experiencing food insecurity, we’re seeing consistently higher need in our school populations,” comments Erin Moraghan, Chief Executive Officer of Nutrition for Learning. Prior to 2020, only 10% of school populations accessed Nutrition for Learning’s program. Now, 50-60% of students rely on it – a statistic confirmed by Waterloo Region District School Board. “The pandemic has been a game changer – the social fracturing of COVID-19 impacted children and teens immensely,” Erin explains.
With the support of a Kindred Charitable Fund grant, three schools were able to pilot Kindred Soup Stations, which also offered fresh bread, bagels, fruit, and snacks. Volunteers prepare soup in slow cookers and make it available to students in a self-serve style, often with a variety of toppings. Allowing the students choice has increased participation and engagement among students.
The same Grade 9 student shared, “I kept smelling the soup all over the hallways and heard all the laughter so I wanted to see what was up.” She continued, “It turned out no one cared that I didn’t have a lunch, everyone was just enjoying soup and hot buns with apples and snacks, having a really good time and making friends. I go to soup day all the time now, for more than just a meal.”
In these challenging times, Nutrition for Learning is more than a school food program. It’s a lifeline. By combining compassion with dignity and collaboration, Nutrition for Learning continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact. Kindred is pleased to support the vital work of Nutrition for Learning.