community lunch box
program
Helping Kids Learn on a Full Stomach.
The Community Lunch Box Program is our signature program that began in 2004. It provides food security and nutrition to all children attending schools in Whitecourt. No one is singled out for participating and over 12% of the student population participates.
Healthy breakfasts, lunches, fresh fruit and snacks
As an example; during the month of April, 2022, the Society provided the following to learning facilities in Whitecourt:
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383 breakfast packs
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838 lunch packs
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96 bags of apples
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13 bags of oranges
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21 bunches of bananas
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67 boxes of granola and cereal bars
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170 muffins
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21 boxes of yogurt tubes
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6 boxes of apple sauce
The program helps to ensure that every child/youth has the nutrition they need for proper growth and development.
Food security for over 2,000 children and youth
The Society provides food security to children and youth at all 6 local schools (2 school divisions) and out-of-school programs such as Whitecourt & District Library, Gateway Academy, Whitecourt Early Learning & Childcare Centre, and Boys & Girls Club Whitecourt & District.
Over the years, the Community Lunch Box has partnered with other organizations to facilitate programs including:
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a food studies program at Gateway Academy;
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a Grade 5 cooking class that taught basic cooking skills, safety, and the importance of making healthy food choices.
It takes a community
Food is prepared by our contracted partner, IGA, and delivered to learning facilities by several good-hearted volunteers twice weekly during the school year.
The program relies on support from community members, businesses, grant funding, and bottle sorting revenue.
If you are interested in volunteering, or making a donation, please visit our "Support Our Work" page.