Food Depot Alimentaire is ensuring all of the children who use school breakfast programs are fed, while they’re not in class.
Schools closed on March 16, in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
They are the Hub for the student nutrition program that receives funding from the City of Moncton as well as Breakfast Clubs of Canada.
Twenty-six schools order through Food Depot Alimentaire and get food deliveries for their breakfast programs every week.
“That was one of our first concerns when we heard that schools were shutting down,” says Executive Director Chantal Senecal.
They’ve created a food box program using inventory that they were sending to schools.
“All they have to do is call or email and we will do up a box for you. We already sent out food boxes yesterday. We’re hoping that through this, we’re going to be able to support everyone who is in need over the next couple of weeks, Senecal says.
Over 1500 kids use the program on a daily basis in the Moncton area.
“It’s amazing how many kids are eating at school and sometimes it’s the only meal they’re going to have, or the only complete meal they’re going to have that day,” Senecal says.
As the demand continues to grow, they will be looking for more volunteers to help pack or deliver boxes, and they are always looking for donations..
“We’re certainly concerned about the economy and what is going to happen in the next few months. People are getting laid off and not working. Any donations are very much appreciated,” Senecal says.
