Children’s Foundation Food & Friends

Sharing Recipient Stories

2022 Dufferin County Food for Thought Grant Recipient
$3,000

Sharing our grant story

Like many in Dufferin, Wellington and Guelph, the Children’s Foundation is working towards continuing our support of the most vulnerable in our community despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are especially concerned about the children and youth who rely on our Food & Friends student nutrition programs. The $3,000 Food for Thought Grant funds will help to cover the cost of food for student nutrition programs in Dufferin County. 

Its impact: 

The Food & Friends Program brings healthy food to hungry minds. Breakfast, morning meal, snack and lunch programs offered throughout Dufferin schools (elementary and secondary) and provide an atmosphere of social inclusion amongst students who may otherwise feel marginalized. Students have decreased disruptive behaviours in the classroom, learn healthy eating habits and build strong social skills. 

Pre-COVID 19, 1 in 5 Canadian Children were at risk of food insecurity with many at risk of trying to learn on an empty stomach. 1 in 3 may now be at risk. For some students, the meals they receive from Food & Friends programs are the only food they receive that day, making the program vital to the overall health, educational and nutritional needs of the community. 

How the grant benefited Dufferin residents: 

The Food & Friends Program is vital to the overall health, educational and nutritional needs of the students and affects the entire community by developing strong, confident, respectful, and 

contributing members to our economy. It also promotes local food sources and supports local 

businesses. The program provides volunteer opportunities that lead to employment. 

Quotes from program participants: 

“Dear Snack Program, thank you for all the stuff you do to make us food, and that you take your own time in the day to prepare all the yummy food. I like how the food is good for you. Thank you for making us food and taking time out of your day to make sure we have something to eat.” Student 

“We have a kindergardener who usually gets packed chips and cookies with the odd sandwich now and then, but with having fruit, Cherrios, bagels, and healthier food choices available they have a chance to focus better and make better choices.” Teacher 

Organization contact information: 

Children’s Foundation 
5068 Whitelaw Road, Unit 2, Guelph ON N1H 6J3 
Office 519-826-9551 

Heather Verpaalen
Student Nutrition Program Manager, Food & Friends – Dufferin County 
Office 519-826-9551 x131 
Email heather@childrensfoundation.org

Anita Macfarlane
Program Director, Food & Friends and Scholarships
Office 519-826-9551 x122
Email anita@childrensfoundation.org