Journal Staff
A local effort has sprung up to help feed city children prevented from attending school breakfast programs by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The truth is, some of these children relied on the breakfast program,” said organizer Carolyn Pennie. “Bare Necessities decided to bridge that gap. It really takes a village.”
Within days, she’d collected hundreds of granola bars and other snacks, and now 20 volunteers are coordinating delivery of 1,500 Bare Necessities lunches to Queen Elizabeth II, P.E. McGibbon, London Road and High Park school students.
“I respect the focus is on the front-line workers,” Pennie said. “But we don’t want to forget about a more hidden need.”
Some teachers and teaching assistants are doing the deliveries, and they’re thrilled to see their students again, she added.
A supply drop-off has been established at the rear of the Colborne Road Fire Station.
Acceptable donations include non-perishable, peanut-free and individual sealed snacks.
Cash donations can be routed through St. Vincent De Paul (include a memo specifying the donation is for Bare Necessities): http://ssvp.on.ca/en/donations.php?fbclid=IwAR3cJk_wBSQy4MdQFOHttWixV4tfY2giureUgsNNjrBpM_nIyTDJwBfna8Y