As Ontario students head back to school this fall, hunger is a growing crisis. At least one in three children in Canada arrives at school hungry almost every day, according to Breakfast Club of Canada, the country’s largest school food provider. To meet the rising demand, the organization has launched a new fundraising campaign urging Ontarians to help feed children across the province.
The Growing Crisis of Food Insecurity
Food insecurity is worsening across Ontario as families face higher food prices, increased cost of living, and the added impact of tariffs. Nearly one in three children now lives in a food-insecure household. Cities such as Toronto, Kingston, and Mississauga have officially declared food insecurity a state of emergency in recent months.
Despite new commitments from government, schools and nonprofits are under strain as more children depend on school food programs.
Breakfast Club of Canada’s Response
Breakfast Club of Canada has reported a 30% increase in children served through breakfast programs in recent years. Today, over 650,000 children benefit from more than 3,200 school nutrition programs supported by the Club and its partners.
“Behind these numbers lies immense potential: talents, voices and dreams are at risk due to a lack of access to nutritious food,” says Tommy Kulczyk, President and CEO of Breakfast Club of Canada. “Every child deserves an equal chance to succeed.”
How Ontarians Can Help
The Club is calling on the public to join its back-to-school campaign. Starting today, supporters can:
- Text CLUB to 20222 to donate
- Visit breakfastclubcanada.org/back-to-school
Thanks to the MTY Foundation, all donations will be matched until October 31.
The Bigger Picture
Proud of its 30-year history, Breakfast Club of Canada works with Student Nutrition Ontario, First Nations partners, and local agencies to provide meals rooted in Canada’s Food Guide. The organization emphasizes local sourcing, food sovereignty, and ensuring every child starts the day with protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
“Whether in urban centres or remote regions, all students deserve access to nutritious food at school to support their development and learning. This is an issue that concerns us all,” says Judith Barry, Co-Founder and Director of Government Relations.
Education is essential. So is nutritious food. Join the movement to help Ontario children start the school year with the nourishment they need. Donate at breakfastclubcanada.org.