Every parent knows the morning struggle: a child who skips breakfast can't focus in class, becomes irritable,
and falls behind. Research confirms what parents instinctively understand—being underweight can reduce
academic performance by as much as 68 percent. When approximately one in six Canadian children faces
food insecurity, and 181 million children globally live in severe food poverty, the connection between
nutrition and a child's potential becomes impossible to ignore.
The good news? There are practical ways Canadians can help ensure children have the nutrition they need to
thrive in school and life.
1. Support Your Local Food Bank
Food banks serve as crucial safety nets for families facing temporary hardship. Beyond monetary donations,
consider organizing a food drive in your workplace or community, focusing on nutritious, kid-friendly items
like peanut butter, whole grain cereals, and canned fruits and vegetables. Many food banks also accept fresh
produce donations from home gardens during growing season.
2. Advocate for School Nutrition Programs
Contact your local school board or municipal representatives to support breakfast and lunch programs in
schools. These programs have been shown to improve attendance and academic performance. Even in
communities where programs exist, advocating for expanded access or better funding ensures more children
benefit.
3. Volunteer with Community Organizations
Many community centers and charities run after-school programs that provide snacks or meals to children.
Volunteering your time—whether helping prepare meals, mentoring children, or assisting with program
coordination—makes a direct difference in your community while building connections with families who
need support.
4. Support International Development Organizations
While addressing hunger at home matters, children in developing countries face even more severe challenges.
Organizations like Children Believe work with local partners to help families provide nutritious food in
communities affected by conflict, climate disasters, and poverty.
These programs recognize that when children in vulnerable regions receive proper nutrition, they attend
school more regularly, retain information better, and break cycles of poverty.
5. Educate and Raise Awareness
Share information about the connection between nutrition and academic success with your networks. When
more people understand that hunger isn't just about empty stomachs—it's about lost potential, delayed
development, and compromised futures—communities become more motivated to act.
This holiday season offers an opportunity to reflect on the privileges many enjoy and to take meaningful
action. Whether supporting a local food bank or helping families abroad, every effort to ensure children have
access to nutritious food creates opportunities for them to learn, grow, and build brighter futures.