500 Lunches Each Week Fill Hungry Bellies in Weyburn

A summer lunch program in Weyburn, Sask., that began during the pandemic has been extended so that healthy meals don’t end after the last school bell.

“I enjoy making the lunches and knowing the children of Weyburn won’t go hungry,” says Keri, volunteer.

“I enjoy making the lunches and knowing the children of Weyburn won’t go hungry.”

“We have a truck, tables and a tent and feed 100 children a day,” says Shannon Fodchuk, community ministry worker.

Every weekday morning, volunteers  make sandwiches, cut vegetables and fruit and pack up the meals for delivery. From ham and cheese to smoked chicken and summer sausage the food is a welcome reminder to low-income children and families that someone cares.

“To see the smiles on the children’s faces makes it all worth it,” remarks Skyler, volunteer.

“We don’t want any child to go to bed with a hungry belly,” says Fodchuk. “It means a lot to see them happy when they know they are getting fed.”

During the pandemic, The Salvation Army saw a need to feed children when schools were shut down. Lunches were delivered two days a week. So many children came that the program was increased to five days a week.

“Every child who receives a lunch is polite and grateful,” says Fodchuk. “Some say, ‘we can eat again.’ Others say, ‘we get to have a picnic when we come here to get a lunch.’”

“We have a truck, tables and a tent and feed 100 children a day.”

Filling the summer nutrition gap helps students stay healthy and maintain the progress they make during the school year. When they are well-nourished throughout the summer, they can return to school ready to learn in the fall.

“We are very fortunate to have The Salvation Army provide such a great program for the children of Weyburn,” says Mary, volunteer.

By Linda Leigh