The four Rotary Clubs in Kingston have stepped up big time to help families and especially kids who are experiencing food insecurity through the Covid crisis. There are some 4,000 students who participate in the Food Sharing program in schools. Many of these children receive breakfast, lunch and a snack every school day between September and June. The Isthmus program bridges the gap between Friday and Monday for these children giving them a hamper of food for the weekend. With COVID-19, the numbers are growing and will continue to do so.
The four Rotary Clubs in Kingston have stepped up big time to help families and especially kids who are experiencing food insecurity through the Covid crisis. There are some 4,000 students who participate in the Food Sharing program in schools. Many of these children receive breakfast, lunch and a snack every school day between September and June. The Isthmus program bridges the gap between Friday and Monday for these children giving them a hamper of food for the weekend. With COVID-19, the numbers are growing and will continue to do so.
When the schools closed, these programs had to rethink how to get food to these children (and their families). The Food Sharing Project and Isthmus partnered sharing resources and ideas and, with the help of the Limestone District and Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District school boards, and with other partners like Lionhearts and Stock Transportation, we developed a new model. The education boards sought permission from families to share their addresses, phone numbers and number of children in each family. They have subsequently, through their Principals, identified families in need and received the necessary permissions. Over 400 families in 31 schools have asked to participate in our food distribution program. Again, this number is sure to grow as situations become more precarious.
Also see the article in the Kingston Whig Standard at https://www.thewhig.com/news/local-news/kingston-area-school-food-programs-to-continue-through-summer-months .