Thank you for making sure more kids have fresh, nutritious food this summer!

Kids and their families are already facing food insecurity at the highest levels we’ve seen in our recent history. And when schools close for the summer, this also means the end of critical school meal programs that many families rely on.

But with your help, we can make sure kids have access to the nutritious food they need to focus on a
summer full of play, laughter, and happy memories instead of worrying about hunger.

Donate Now

TOGETHER, WE’LL BE THERE FOR KIDS ACROSS CANADA.

Your support makes programs like After the Bell possible. Together, we’re getting
healthy, nutritious food to children across Canada when they need it most.

Click on each province or territory below to read more about the impact After the Bell has on local communities.

Alberta

After the Bell food packs delivered to 19 communities.

“One morning a little boy was almost jumping up and down when I handed him his bag. It is so rewarding, to see the joy on kids’ faces when they receive their After the Bell packs.”

~ Wheatland County Food Bank Society

Saskatchewan

After the Bell food packs delivered to 15 communities.

“We would have kids ask us when the next time we would be handing out the After the Bell packs so they could make sure not to miss that day. The kids were really excited every time they saw us pull out the green bags. One time, I heard a little boy maybe three years old yell, ‘Wow, a red pepper!”

~ Salvation Army Weyburn

Manitoba

After the Bell food packs delivered to 13 communities.

“The After the Bell program continues to alleviate some of the stress on these families, food support means not having to choose between buying groceries and paying the bills. Having this support helps both the physical and mental health of the recipients.”

~ Harvest Manitoba

Newfoundland & Labrador

After the Bell food packs delivered to 11 communities.

“A young mother and her two children approached me and said, "I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the After the Bell packs we have been getting this summer. They have saved me so much money, not to mention the relief and peace of mind."

~ Bridges to Hope

Prince Edward Island

After the Bell food packs delivered to 6 communities.

“We are always trying to increase fresh food and healthier options in our food hampers. With After the Bell, we were able to provide children with a treat bag from July to September. If we hadn’t received the bags, we would not have had enough in stock to fill the requirements for these months.”

~ Upper Room Hospitality Ministry

Nova Scotia

After the Bell food packs delivered to 54 communities.

“Our member agencies are excited to see, year after year, how the After the Bell food packs continue to provide healthy and fun choices for kids. The relief for families always brings a smile to staff and volunteers.”

~ Feed Nova Scotia

Territories (YT/NT/NU)

After the Bell food packs delivered to 8 communities.

“The After the Bell packs provided children with treats and fresh food that they would not have otherwise received. They were very appreciative to receive them.”

~ Salvation Army NWT Resource Center

Ontario

After the Bell food packs delivered to 37 communities.

“Rosalind*, a senior, was living on a fixed income when she unexpectedly gained custody of her teenage grandsons. Struggling to keep food in the cupboards and on the table for four growing boys, she told us that After the Bell made all the difference in their world.”

~ Feed the Need in Durham

*name changed for privacy reasons

New Brunswick

After the Bell food packs delivered to 22 communities.

“We had a mother with 3 boys come for their appointment. Right away, the boys asked if they could go pick up their After the Bell bags. Their eyes opened wide when they were given their fruit. They were especially happy about the frozen yogurt tubes! They left the Centre with big smiles, carrying their bags on their heads.”

~ Vestiaire St. Joseph Inc.

British Columbia

After the Bell food packs delivered to 31 communities.

“It was so helpful for our family. My husband is not working and my job was over for the summer, so finances were extremely tight. It is hard for me to ask for help, but they made me feel welcome and comfortable, not judged. We are so grateful!”

~ Archway Food Bank of Abbotsford

Quebec

After the Bell food packs delivered to 11 communities.

“What was especially memorable were the kids who wanted to share After the Bell with their brothers and sisters, even if they weren’t of the age to participate in our youth programs. They would ask to bring food packs home for them. This sense of sharing and caring really touched us.”

~ Moisson Lanaudière

MORE FAMILIES THAN EVER ARE AT RISK OF FOOD INSECURITY.

1 in 3 food bank users are children.

642,257 food bank visits by kids in March 2023 - over 150,000 more than March the previous year.

42% of households with kids had difficulty meeting their basic needs.

Source: Hunger Count 2023

THANKS TO YOU, MORE KIDS WILL HAVE ACCESS TO NUTRITIOUS FOOD THIS SUMMER.

Your generosity in action:

200,000
kid-friendly food packs provided.

Filled with nutritious foods like milk, fruit snacks, crackers, cereal, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Reaching kids in 215+ communities across Canada.

This summer, your support will keep kids running, playing, exploring, and growing strong!

Donate Now

WORDS OF THANKS FROM FAMILIES AND FOOD BANKS.

“A father arrived in the country 3 weeks ago with his two children, aged 7 and 9. When his daughter opened the After the Bell bag, she clapped and turned to her father to show him her joy. Even with the language barrier, her emotion was palpable. She had snacks JUST for her. She even clutched the bag to her heart.”

~Moisson Québec, QC

“One of our camp leaders shared how a brother and sister were very excited to receive their packs, because they didn’t have food at home. It brought tears to our camp leaders’ eyes. Thank you!”

~Bonnyville Canadian Native Friendship Centre, AB

“A single mom and her three sons live close to our food bank. Each week it was a special event for the three of them to pick up their own packs. They would come running across the field to see who could get there first. They were thrilled to see what was in their packs. Their mom was very appreciative. Three growing boys are hard to fill on a fixed income.”

~House of Lazarus Matilda Resource Centre Inc, ON