Nurtrien Food on the Move 2018 Provides Food Security
During the summer months, typically all that is on the mind of many children is, who am I going to play with today? Where will we go? What will we do? But for one in every four children in Saskatchewan, the question on their mind is simply, am I going to eat today? With a recent Statistic Canada report placing Saskatchewan’s child poverty rate at 24.1%, there is no wonder why many are questioning where their next meal will come from. The Salvation Army and Nutrien recognize this need, and since 2010 have been coordinating the Nutrien Food On The Move Program in Saskatoon and Regina.
Nutrien Food on the Move Program – Saskatoon
The Nutrien “Food on the Move” program continues to fill the summer nutrition gap for children who rely on the feeding programs provided by schools. This initiative provides nutritional lunches daily, Monday through Friday, at 11 community summer/park programs in targeted neighbourhoods. These neighbourhoods are identified as high density with low-income housing and visible poverty. Each lunch contains a main course (choice of sandwich), milk, veggie and fruit, and a tasty snack.
The program has gained great momentum and has become a stable source of food security for children in Saskatoon. As is the case each year, the Salvation Army food truck is greeted each day with children running towards it or lined up patiently, but eagerly, waiting. It is a true blessing to have the opportunity to experience the joy of the children each day when you distribute the lunches. It is also heartwarming to witness the community come together to assist children in need. The Salvation Army is grateful for the many hours volunteers commit to and humbled by Nutrien for all they do in supporting children in our community.
With dental health being a vital component of overall wellbeing and nutrition, this year, we worked to ensure it was a part of the program. In partnership with Dr. Parviz Yazdani and his staff at Block Dental, we hosted “Dental Day, ”providing the children with a toothbrush and information on proper oral health care.
By the end of the summer, the Nutrien Food on the Move Program in Saskatoon provided 6,342 lunches.
Nutrien Food on the Move Program – Regina
Established in 2012, the Regina Food on the Move program responds to children and youth food scarcity by providing children with a nutritious lunch each weekday during the summer months. In partnership with REACH into the Parks, The Salvation Army distributes to two community pool programs in target neighbourhoods.
It has been noted the lifeguards at the pools that after the children realize lunches are coming every weekday, they are able to relax and have fun. This is attributed to the fact they don’t have to worry about going hungry.
The Nutrien Food on the Move program fills the summer nutrition gap for children who rely on the feeding programs provided by the schools. We are confident and encouraged that what we are contributing through this program is reaching farther into the community than anyone realizes.
By the end of the summer, the Nutrien Food on the Move Program in Regina provided 4,066 lunches.