Free Summer Lunches Support Families Facing Food Insecurity
For many children, summer break means freedom and games. However, for families struggling to make ends meet, it can bring additional stress, especially when it comes to affording food each week.
The Salvation Army in Weyburn, Sask., runs an annual Summer Lunch Program that provides comfort and relief to families facing financial difficulties and food insecurity.
“It’s comforting to have access to this. It takes away stress.”
A mother named Sherry brings her children to pick up lunches each summer. She learned about the program through social media and recognized its value quickly. The daily pickup of nutritious food has become a great way to save money.
“This program helps with our food budget,” Sherry says. “It’s a relief to know that they are eating well.”
The Salvation Army’s summer lunch program runs throughout the school summer break, Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.. The free lunches ensure that students who rely on school meals during the academic year continue to receive nutritious food during the summer.
“We are helping with food insecurities for children who would normally have food given to them at school. Plus, we’re hoping it helps families with their budgets, helping to stretch them a little further this summer,” says Nicole Strickland, community ministries worker at The Salvation Army in Weyburn.
“I am happy that they include fruits and vegetables. The sandwiches are my children’s favourite,” Sherry adds.
“This gets them out of the house and they look forward to it.”
Beyond the food support it brings to families, the program also gives children more energy and improves their mood. Having a consistent routine and a good meal helps them set a positive tone for the day.
“This gets them out of the house and they look forward to it,” Sherry says.
The daily lunches offer not only practical help but also emotional support for Sherry.
“It’s comforting to have access to this. It takes away stress.”
This program helps families fill a gap. As a parent, Sherry says it is hard to imagine summer without access to this service.
“If this program didn’t exist, I believe my children would be disappointed,” she says.
The Summer Lunch Program has been running in Weyburn for many years. This assistance is crucial to many people in the community.
By Juan Romero
