Food4Kids Muskoka exists to fight food insecurity among elementary school-aged children in rural and remote areas of Muskoka. The organization provides nutritious food bags to ensure “Weekends Without Hunger.”
Starting from serving seven children at one school, this past school year it supported 200 children (ages 4 to 13) at 17 schools. It is estimated that at least 1,000 children across Muskoka require food every weekend due to rising costs of food, gas, and housing outpacing many families’ ability to cope.
“The 48-hour gap on the weekend was an issue that was not being addressed in our local community,” says Sarah Thatcher, who founded the local organization in 2023 and runs it with Kristie Shaver. “I investigated successful initiatives and launched Food4Kids Muskoka to give kids the basics they need to succeed at school, at home and in the wider community”.
The program provides 12 to 15 nutritious food items when children might not have access to food. And this summer, they launched the “Summers Without Hunger” program to continue to provide food for children when schools are closed. Children across Muskoka will receive food boxes in July and August delivered to schools or their homes by a network of dedicated and compassionate volunteers.
“The community support that we have received since launching has been incredible! When we started to share about the needs facing food insecure children across Muskoka, many generous people have offered financial support, logistical support and wisdom to help us meet the needs in the community,” says Sarah.
In May, the charity held a Feeding Futures Gala donated by Windermere House. “We were able to thank many generous community members, who have helped to make a huge difference in the lives of kids this year,” says Kristie.
The program is having an enormous impact on many lives. “It has helped knowing the kids have some food available on the weekend,” says one mother. “I am a single parent of three kids, and I rely on the local food bank often. Thank you for helping me help my family.”
An educational assistant shared that as she was placing food in one grade three student’s bag, he asked why he was getting it. Is it Christmas, he asked. The EA said “no, you will get these every week, not just at Christmas,” and he replied “well then it is like Christmas every week!”
A teacher noted that the bags contain fresh food many students don’t often get at home. “For example, JB was super excited to get a cucumber, as he loves them!”
Food4Kids Muskoka is a registered charity and relies on generous donations from caring community members. They are seeking donations to feed 400 kids each weekend starting in September.
TEXT MATT DRISCOLL
PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN