As the summer months arrive, the school year also comes to a close. Most kids look forward to the break from school to enjoy all that the warmer months have to offer. But for the ones who rely on in-school meal and snack programs, the summer can be a stressful time for the entire family as they are forced to find ways to replace the daily food that they normally rely on in-school programs for during nine months of the year.
For parents like Oksana and Andrei*, who have already been through so much, leaving their war-torn homeland in search of safety for their three little ones, now, they’re facing a whole new set of uncertainties in the summer.
“My husband lost his job because of immigration and now he’s searching… When you have kids, it’s very hard. It’s very hard to take a job when you have kids because you know, even if you find it, they hire you [to be] on call anytime, it’s not possible with kids.”
Parents like Oksana and Andrei are being kept up at night, trying to figure out how to feed their children and, at the same time, juggling the search for consistent work and childcare, with many like Oksana who can’t work because there aren’t affordable childcare options for the summer.
Oksana and Andrei are just two of many food bank visitors who are struggling with raising a family as the cost of living continues to rise. Without the support of our generous and compassionate donors, partners and community members, Food Banks Mississauga wouldn’t be able to carry out the vital work of providing over 9 million pounds of food each year to 56,000+ neighbours experiencing food insecurity across the city. And families like Oksana’s would go without.
“I need halal food so we come here… It was a very big help for us. We were newcomers from Ukraine… They helped us with so much food and even dishes, kitchen stuff, it was amazing, it was an incredible experience.”
When you make a gift, you’re not only providing healthy and nutritious food, you’re also helping newcomers like Oksana and her family build the foundation for their new life.
“I want to say a huge thanks, we are safe because of them.”
Almost 16,000 children rely on Food Banks Mississauga and our network of 60+ food programs for healthy food to nourish their growing minds and bodies. By joining our End Summer Hunger campaign, you will be helping children in need across Mississauga get the nutritious food they need this summer.
*Names and photo are representative to protect privacy.
Make sure kids have food when the last school bell rings
Your donations will provide healthy food to almost 16,000 children all summer long. Help End Summer Hunger today!
