Community Resource Centre seeks support for Summer Snax program

FERGUS – The Community Resource Centre of North and Centre Wellington is hoping individuals will step up and help support its Summer Snax program.

School nutrition programs provide support to more than 44,000 students in Wellington, Guelph and Dufferin during the school year, officials say.

But when summer arrives, one in three children in Wellington County who rely on school-based nutrition programs loses access to those sources of food.

That is why the Community Resource Centre of North and Centre Wellington implemented the Summer Snax program, which provides children and youth in need with nine weeks of food support including:

– healthy snack items and shelf-stable foods;

– fresh produce delivered directly to homes;

– gift cards so families can purchase the foods they need; and

– at-home delivery to remove transportation barriers.

“Last year we supported 400 children and youth residing in Centre Wellington and North Wellington. This year, demand has continued to grow, and our goal is to support 500 children,” officials state in a press release.

They have already reached 65 per cent of their funding goal thanks to the support of several community partners:

– United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin;

– Centre Wellington Food Bank;

– Kindred Credit Union;

– Guelph Community Foundation;

– County of Wellington; and

– Centre Wellington Community Foundation.

“Now we are asking individuals, families and businesses to help us close the gap,” officials say.

Sponsorship opportunities range from “Program Friends” to “Summer Snax Champion,” making it possible for supporters of all sizes to make a meaningful impact, officials say. 

“Whether you are making a personal contribution or investing as a business, every sponsorship directly helps put food into the hands of local children.”

 Ways to give include:

– donating using the online sponsorship form found at communityresourcecentre.org;

– sending an e-transfer to donations@communityresourcecentre.org (include a note specifying it is for Summer Snax); or

– mailing a cheque payable to Community Resource Centre of North and Centre Wellington, PO Box 442, Fergus, ON N1M 3E2.

 “Every sponsorship level helps us move closer to our goal of supporting 500 children this summer,” officials say. 

“Together, we can help ensure children spend their summer making memories, not worrying about hungry tummies.”